Employee Spotlight: May 2022

Sharon Englebert Celebrates 25-Years of Service at Wake Forest University

Today our Conference & Event Services Director, Sharon Englebert is celebrating 25-years at Wake! To celebrate this milestone, we asked Sharon a few questions about her time here at WFU.

Tell us more about your role and background. 

Before Wake, I worked at a company called “Tekton” (formally Word Power)- it was a company that supported dictation and computer equipment. Their client was WFU – that’s one of the reasons I wanted to apply, my then co-worker Jeff Bowman left us to come to Wake- 

I’ve always been involved in customer service- I sold cars at CUABS, worked at apartment complexes, waited tables and retail. Helping others has always been my “gift”.

What made you apply for your first job at Wake?

 I was a single mom and wanted more than anything to give a steady future and education to my son– who was only 5 at the time! The hope was to get him through college— then I guess Wake couldn’t get rid of me 🙂

Do you remember your first day? 

Oh yes! I pulled up & parked in front of the Benson Center where RLH was. I was so nervous, the building was so big and there were so many employees! I worked downstairs in 218 with housing operations and upstairs in 344 is where the assignment people worked. Nancy Priddy, Loretta Myers, Connie Carson and Tim Burton, they were all so nice to me. 

I was hired to do the student damage billing and oversee the faculty/staff apartments, now student housing in NCA.

What do you like most about working at WFU?

The people and the flowers. I also have met many lifelong friends!

What is the favorite part about your job? What excites you most?

Working with all my colleagues and the various departments to help showcase the University. This place is my home. I love working here (whole heart). When we’re able to bring camps here, they too get to see WFU, hopefully through my eyes— all I see is the beautiful way Wake changed my life all those years ago! I’m so proud to be here, and my favorite part of my job, is exactly that….working for a place that I can be proud of. 

What do you see as the biggest accomplishment since your start at Wake?

Being able to lead my department, being someone that others enjoy working with.

What is your biggest hope for the next 5 years in Conference & Event Services?  In what ways do you expect to grow? 

Summer babies to bloom again! 🙂

Taking the beat in life after COVID has made me really appreciate the opportunities that are right in front of us- yes, I’d love to fill our campus again in the summer with happy kids at camp, but also, I see an opportunity for us to build our WFU Family. Collaboration across campus and assisting with our internal groups is a way to build summer in a more personal way. 

What is your favorite hobby or activity to do outside of work?

I love to paint anything! Also you can find me with my BFF’s (Mama & Daddy)– boating, planting flowers, sipping with my friends! 

Congratulations, Sharon and thank you for your many wonderful years of service! We look forward to celebrating your many accomplishments for years to come!