General Donald J. Wetekam will provide leadership in developing and growing OU's Aerospace, Defense, and Global Security initiative through a newly defined position of Chief Strategist. He will retain his current role as the first Brock Executive in Residence for the Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers and Scientists in the Gallogly College of Engineering.
“OU is clearly on a path to expand and improve research services to our current and potential government partners,” Gen. Wetekam said. “I’m excited to play a part in this challenging effort.”
John Antonio, Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships said, “General Wetekam brings to us strong leadership, knowledge, and connections in the ADGS realm that is unprecedented at OU. Having Don on our team is an absolute game-changer for us.”
The ADGS initiative is one of four strategic research verticals is support of the Lead On, University strategic plan that aims to apply convergent OU research to significant, real-world challenges. As the chief strategist for ADGS, he will establish and maintain connections and relationships with new and existing external partners in the ADGS sector, help establish a consortium framework with industry and government partners, develop new, funded research and development opportunities and programs, and help design an effective marketing and communication structure.
Prior to joining OU, Gen. Wetekam served in the U.S. Air Force for 34 years, holding several key leadership positions in aircraft maintenance and supply chain management. After retiring as a Lieutenant General, he served as vice president of government and defense business development for AAR Corporation. Gen. Wetekam holds a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Engineering Administration from the University of Utah, and a Master of National Resource Management from the National Defense University.
