Charlotte Sheridan still vividly remembers her first day at Brock.

Although she has 20 memorable years at the University to look back on as she prepares for retirement at the end of January, the Acting Director of the Faculty of Graduate Studies could never forget the day it all began back in 1998.

“Everyone was so friendly,” she recalled. “As I walked down the halls, people I didn’t know said ‘hello’ to me. I remember thinking this was going to be a great place to work.”

Sheridan began her time with the University in the Development office after 15 years working in civil service. In 2002, she was chosen to fill the newly created position of Assistant Director in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. She took on the role of Acting Director about a year ago.

As her Jan. 31 retirement nears, she spent time reflecting on her Brock career and the significant growth her Faculty has experienced over the years.

“When I was hired, there were three of us working in Grad Studies,” she said. “Now we have 13 full-time staff and some part-time. We have increased our number of students by 300 per cent. I’m proud of our team and the work we have done here.”

Faculty of Graduate Studies Interim Dean Diane Dupont said Sheridan will be deeply missed.

“Charlotte has a wealth of institutional knowledge that has benefited Graduate Studies at Brock. Her dedication to our office has been greatly appreciated,” Dupont said. “I know Charlotte will approach her retirement with the same positivity she displayed here every day.”

Brock has offered Sheridan more than just a career, but access to an incredibly active lifestyle. Not long after starting with the University, she joined the Zone and made it a priority to work out most days on her lunch break.

Sheridan is a certified personal trainer and fitness, spin and urban poling instructor. She has taught spin classes at Brock and teaches fitness classes outside of work.

“Being part of the Zone allowed me to meet all sorts of people from around the University and the community. I formed relationships with people outside of my office walls,” she said.

Brian Hutchings, Brock’s Vice-President, Administration, has known Sheridan for years, with Hutchings participating in Sheridan’s spin classes before he came to work at Brock.

“Charlotte and I have had a connection through exercise for many years,” he said. “She has a contagious energy that is evident in her work and she has a knack for finding solutions to tough questions. She is an asset to Brock and I wish her well in her retirement.”

Sheridan, a Vineland resident, will fondly remember her time at the University.

One of her proudest moments was receiving the Human Resources Distinguished Staff Service Award for Leadership in 2017.

“I think it’s very cool that Brock has processes to acknowledge staff like that,” she said. “It was quite an honour to be nominated by my team and selected for the award.”

Sheridan plans to continue teaching fitness classes in her retirement, and hopes to do some travelling.

A celebration is planned in her honour for Thursday, Jan. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Cairns 207. Friends and colleagues are invited to attend.