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The Reed College of Media and College of Creative Arts will merge to form the new WVU College of Creative Arts and Media as of July 1, 2024. Get details.

Brian Fickel

Senior Communications Executive and Advisor

Brian Fickel is a passionate executive communications advisor, spokesperson, and speechwriter with over 15 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations. Fickel relishes opportunities to help others develop their skills and abilities, always striving to help them achieve their full potential.

Fickel recently retired from the US Army where he was most recently Director of the Army Public Affairs Center, located at Fort Meade, Maryland, and managed all aspects of the Army Public Affairs career management field. He holds expertise in both internal and external communications at the Army installation level and higher and has legislative affairs experience at the three- and four-star levels.

Fickel began his public affairs career in 2007 after graduating from Defense Information School at Fort Meade. He has advised commanders at the U.S. Army division level and above, including serving as the public affairs advisor to the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the United States Forces – Iraq commander, and the US Central Command commander.

Fickel's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies from Dickinson College, a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University, and a Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, as well as a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. His education has equipped him with a deep understanding of leadership, management communication, organizational behavior and public relations.

In addition to his public affairs work, Fickel has dedicated himself to developing and delivering training programs that empower people to give effective presentations, handle media interviews, and build strong relationships with clients. He is also a sought-after lecturer on leadership and executive communications including the US Army Pre-Command course at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Fickel's accomplishments have earned him the reputation of someone known for his enthusiastic, energetic and insightful approach to education and advising executive leaders. He is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and making a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.

Meet Brian

Chapters:  
0:00 Introduction  
1:29 Why do you teach in the program?  
2:34 How do you bring the real world into your online classes?  
3:19 Fun (surprise) question