Dr. Mike Wilkinson is WCJC's new Chief of Staff.
WHARTON, TEXAS – As a Bay City native, being hired as Wharton County Junior College’s new Chief of Staff is like coming home for Dr. Mike Wilkinson. In fact, the first-generation college graduate is a former WCJC student himself.
“One of the first courses I received college credit for was a biology class right here at WCJC,” Wilkinson said.
In his role as Chief of Staff, Wilkinson will oversee several key areas for the college: strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, serving as the SACSCOC liaison, institutional effectiveness and research, grants management, board relations, government relations and policy. The Chief of Staff role is a new position for the college, one that WCJC President Amanda Allen sees as crucial to the institution’s future success.
“Dr. Wilkinson’s return to WCJC truly feels like a homecoming, and we are fortunate to welcome someone who understands both our community and the transformative role of community colleges,” Allen said. “His breadth of experience and deep commitment to student success will be instrumental as we chart a bold path forward. I am excited to leverage Dr. Wilkinson’s student-centered leadership and strategic support in this inaugural position. Dr. Wilkinson will play a vital role in helping us strengthen our operations, deepen our community partnerships and advance opportunities for the students and region we serve.”
Though working for WCJC is like coming full circle for Wilkinson, the journey back home was far from direct. After graduating from Bay City High School, Wilkinson attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado to play baseball with dreams of becoming a pilot. Wilkinson comes from a long line of military service members, with both parents serving in the United States Army and his grandfather serving as a pilot in World War II.
Shortly after enrolling in the academy, however, Wilkinson determined that his life would follow a different path. He transferred to Temple College to pursue another childhood dream, that of becoming a professional baseball player. A few years later, he shifted direction again, transferring to Texas A&M University in College Station to focus instead on academics.
“At Texas A&M, I majored in sports management, and this was my way of staying connected to the athletics world that I enjoyed,” he said.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Wilkinson moved on to Angelo State University in San Angelo, where he worked as a graduate assistant in athletics while pursuing a master’s degree in Coaching, Sport, Recreation, and Fitness Administration. His first full-time job out of college was at Lamar University, where he worked as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions for the athletics department.
A few years later, Wilkinson took a position as Lamar University’s Associate Director of Student Activities and Civic Engagement. It was a career change that had significant repercussions on his life.
“I realized that my calling was working with students,” he said. “From that point on, I have been focused on growing and learning as much as I can about the field of higher education in order to serve them well.
"Educational achievement changes lives, and I want to help them get to the finish line. Students need positive role models and support systems in their live, and I take pride in being that for them. I am one of their biggest cheerleaders during their academic journey and beyond.”
With a rediscovered passion for student affairs, Wilkinson moved on to the University of Houston-Victoria (now Texas A&M University-Victoria), where he spent nearly a decade serving as Associate Director of Student Life, Director of Students Life and Services, and Senior Director of Student Services and Judicial Affairs. Wilkinson stayed at UH-V until September of 2023, when he accepted a position as Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala.
Although his work was rewarding, Wilkinson missed his home state. When he learned of an opportunity at WCJC, he jumped at the chance.
“It’s a full circle moment and I’m fired up to be here,” he said. “I am so proud to be coming back home and joining this historic college. It’s an honor and privilege to work for a dynamic leader like Dr. Allen. This is such an exciting time to be a WCJC Pioneer.”
Working at the community college level is something Wilkinson is excited about. His own time at WCJC was a pivotal part in his education, helping him learn the basics of studying, note taking and learning.
“Community colleges are part of my story. In fact, I attended seven of them right here in Texas during my academic journey,” he said. “Community colleges are so crucial because they help individuals build a strong foundation for their future. I can personally attest to it. Many of our students are still building out their foundation and learning how to be successful academically and personally. It’s all of our jobs as college employees to help them navigate that and get them prepared for the workforce.”
Wilkinson has several key goals as he takes over his new position. These include focusing on the well-being of the campus community, using assessment to make date-driven decisions, making career readiness a priority and, above it all, being a team player and having fun.
“I live by the simple motto: ‘Teamwork makes the dream work,’” he said. “Higher education is the perfect place to put this into practice.”
Wilkinson and his wife, Rais’a, an educator and native of Richmond, have a three-year-old son, Rio. His family has not yet relocated to the area but will be doing so soon.
“It’s been difficult to be away from my family as I love spending time with them,” Wilkinson said. “It always brings me joy. I love being a husband and dad.”
In addition to work and family, Wilkinson’s other passions are traveling, physical activity, live music and his Christian faith. He is a self-proclaimed diehard Houston sports fan and serves as a basketball referee in his free time.
Although his journey back to Texas and WCJC has been far from easy, Wilkinson says none of it would have been possible without the support and guidance of his parents, Marti and Roger Wilkinson, who encouraged him to take the first step.
“I am especially grateful for my mom and dad, for instilling in me the importance of attending college and supporting me throughout my journey,” Wilkinson said. “Without their guidance, love, and support I would not be sitting here today.”
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