March 31, 2010
For Immediate Release

For more information: Leanna Escobar (801) 863-8342
University Marketing & Communications: Erin Spurgeon, (801) 863-6807
Written by: Chelsey Richardson (801) 863-8504

UVU’s International Center will bring Afghanistan to the forefront in the next installation of the Global Spotlight Lecture Series on Monday, April 5. Distinguished military mentor Gene Wikle will present a lecture entitled “Afghanistan: Nation Building 101,” addressing the challenges and experiences of rebuilding a war-weary nation. Wikle currently serves as a senior mentor to the Afghan National Army Air Corps and the U.S. military’s Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“We are delighted to welcome Gene Wikle to UVU to discuss this timely topic,” said John Macfarlane, UVU political science instructor. “His expertise and experience will provide rare insight into the challenges the U.S. faces in Afghanistan.”

Wikle provides consultation in leadership and management skills, facility management, logistics management, financial management and strategic planning. He frequently briefs the senior leadership of the Afghan national government, including President Hamid Karzai, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Interior and senior ranking U.S. and Afghan military officers.

Prior to his service in Afghanistan, he served in 2004 as a senior military consultant in the office of Political – Military Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq. Wikle earned a master’s degree in national security studies from California State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Utah University. He is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Officer Training School.

The lecture will take place at 1 p.m. in the UVU Sorensen Student Center, room 206b. Please join us immediately after for a reception in the International Center, Woodbury Building room 147.  Please visit www.uvu.edu/international for more information.

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