A major change in Utah Tech University athletics—the ascension to Division 1 competition—is creating a new dynamic and elevating the need for greater community engagement and support. One way to achieve this level of support is by boosting the number of people attending athletic events, and yet another is by increasing donor support from within the community. Wendi Bulkley has returned to the Trailblazers to lead this charge.
After a two-year break working for TDS Telecommunications, Wendi has once again made her “home” in the Burns Arena Utah athletic offices, with a new title and renewed enthusiasm for Trailblazer Nation.
“Here’s to being back and blazing new trails,” she says, “I hope to see everyone at some games! Go Trailblazers!”
Now that UT athletics has joined the Western Athletic Conference or WAC, additional funding for the 14 men’s and women’s sports teams is needed. Further needs include facility upgrades, equipment, travel and nutrition programs. The goal is to make UT a university where athletes want to stay for their entire college careers. Wendi is charged raising needed funds from the community and enhancing the fan experience at major athletic events. She will also oversee The Trailblazer Club expansion, providing its members with additional benefits.
Wendi reports that ideas to fill more seats at UT football and men’s and women’s basketball games are on their way, so watch for promotions during those seasons. Division 1 scheduling now means that UT athletics will attract higher caliber competition coming to visit our area. Teams with national recognition are headed this way. This will be an economic boon for southern Utah as these teams and their fans come to St. George.
Q: Where does your love for and commitment to this community and Utah Tech come from?
A: I love this southern Utah area. I met my husband here. My first job was as director of the Washington City Community Center. After nine years there, I was offered the position as associate athletic director at then Dixie State, which I couldn’t pass up. Now, after two years at TDS, I’m back with the Trailblazers and big things are on the horizon!
Q: How does your family manage the work-life balance challenges that can come with a dynamic and demanding career?
A: We try to combine my work with our whole family whenever we can. My husband, Jake, and our four children attend UT athletic events whenever their schedules permit. I appreciate Jake so much for allowing me to fulfill my dreams, develop my passions and serve both the university and community we love.
Q: What is your message to our community about supporting Utah Tech Athletics?
A: Utah Tech is a valuable and growing asset with 13,000 students, and its athletic programs are a big part of it. Cheering for our teams at games and supporting them monetarily can build a real sense of community.
We are making great partnerships here, such as the one we now have with the Black Desert Resort. Its golf course will be the home golf course for our men’s and women’s golf teams, and special practice facilities are being created for them. It’s a BIG win-win!
Our student-athletes need internships and service hours to fill their resumes, so I will be creating more business partnerships. I will be working hard and can’t wait to see how this all comes together over the next few years!
More about Wendi: Wendi has a bachelor's degree in business leadership and recreation management and a master's degree in public administration. She has a combined total of 21 years of pregressively responsible experience working as an expert in her field of marketing, fundraising, donor relations and events. Her education, leadership and business experience have given her the opportunity to use innovative and creative methods for business growth, economic development and community engagement. Wendi has fostered and grown corporate relationships into millions of dollars in naming rights partnerships, including to expand Greater Zion Stadium, a transition to Division 1 status and corporate sponsorships. She has pioneered new ideas for community events and sports marketing approaches, and she provides leadership, strength and development to every organization she has worked with throughout her student, volunteer and professional career.
Currently, Wendi serve on various community organizations, including St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Washington County Fair Parade Chair, Housing Action Coalition Public Awareness Committee Co-Chair, Board Member of the Utah Tech Alumni Association, and the only female to serve on the Charity Caddy Group, LLC nonprofit organization.
Fred Bernhardt has had diverse experiences in financial services for more than 35 years, helping clients achieve their financial goals. He has also been active in business development. In addition, he is a freelance sports writer and columnist.
This past February, UT Athletic Director, Ken Beazer, called to offer me the position as Athletic Development Officer. I was overjoyed with the opportunity to return to Trailblazer Nation. Having taught courses in Sports and Recreation Management, and Events Marketing, to UT students in the past, now I can use my experience and skillset to directly affect UT’s athletic development efforts. Additionally, as Director of Community Engagement for our student-athletes, I will connect these talented students with the local schools, public events and private functions to further build community recognition and support.
Wendi’s invitation to the community: “Make attending games a family affair—bring your kids and grandkids out to see some incredible talent and be a part of the fun and the legacy we are creating here at Utah Tech!”
"Bring your kids and grandkids out to see some incredible talent ... be a part of the fun and the legacy we are creating here at Utah Tech!”
