Wendy Halsey named associate vice president for facilities operations

Wake Forest University has named Wendy Halsey as associate vice president for facilities operations in facilities, real estate, and planning. She begins July 21, 2025. 

Halsey comes here from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served as associate vice chancellor for facilities, leading a team of more than 1,100 in all aspects of facilities management for a portfolio containing more than 19.5 million square feet and 700 acres. Her responsibilities included the planning, design, engineering, maintenance, and operations of academic buildings, research facilities, residence halls, and grounds, managing a total budget exceeding $50 million, and providing oversight for more than $350 million in capital projects. Prior to UNC, Halsey served as assistant vice president for facilities at Virginia Tech, providing strategic leadership for all facilities operational functions, including grounds, housekeeping, engineering services, maintenance, waste and recycling, and more.

“I am confident that Wendy’s extensive leadership and technical expertise will be invaluable in leading our facilities operations group,” said Chris Kiwus, Vice President for Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning. “The time she’s spent in higher education and in military service is indicative of her personal commitment to our motto, Pro Humanitate.” 

In her role at Wake Forest, Halsey will oversee the facilities maintenance, services, and utilities groups, as well as lead the integration of the construction, fleet, and warehouse groups. She brings more than three decades of extensive experience in facilities management, strategic planning, capital projects, and public works operations. She has a clear record of successfully leading large, high-functioning organizations in planning, programming, construction, and maintenance as well as senior-level oversight and strategic direction for facilities operations. 

“I’m excited to get to work,” said Halsey. “I’ve always been impressed with Wake Forest University as an institution and I’m looking forward to contributing to its ongoing success.” 

Before her career in higher education, Halsey dedicated 27 years to the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where she held roles of increasing responsibility in progressively complex facilities and maintenance management organizations and retired as a captain. Notably, she served as Commanding Officer of Camp David, accountable to the White House for all aspects of running the Presidential Retreat. 

Halsey earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University. She earned a master’s in urban planning from the University of Florida, a master’s in business administration from National University, and a master’s in national resource strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University. She is a registered professional engineer in the state of North Carolina.