When Sharon Rowlette was asked about her most memorable experience in her 16 years at UT, the soon-to-be retired office manager of the Center for Leadership and Service could not narrow it down to just one.

“My relationship with all the students has been phenomenal,” Rowlette said. “Learning how each student fits in with the campus community and seeing them have such a heart for leadership and volunteering in their community this early in their lives has really made an impression on me.”

Rowlette started at UT in 2001 when she was accepted for a position with the Bursar’s Office. After working there for 10 years, her passion for working with students drove her to move to the student orientation office and eventually the Center for Leadership and Service, one of UT’s newer divisions that works “to educate and engage students to lead and serve the global community.”

Fourteen years later, she has closed, packed up and moved to a total of four office spaces during her time at the university.

“It’s been very rewarding watching student involvement increase so much at UT,” said Rowlette. “Watching them grow has certainly instilled in me a want to be involved in volunteering and service. It’s changed my whole way of thinking.”

CLS Director and colleague Sally Parish said UT needs more people like Rowlette.

“Sharon always enjoyed supporting our student workers and helping our student leaders connect to meaningful leadership and service experiences across campus,” said Parish. “She is a people person, greeting everyone with a smile and genuinely excited to learn and help as much as she could.”

By working alongside these students, Rowlette said she has built many lasting relationships.

“When I worked in the student orientation office, I became really close with the orientation leaders since they were in the office all the time,” Rowlette said. “I started with the Center for Leadership and Service because I wanted to have more involvement with the students. Getting to know each and every one of them and watching them grow has been beyond rewarding.”

While she is fond of her time at UT, Rowlette is looking forward to settling into retirement. Rather than rushing out the front door, travel mug in hand, she will take her morning cup of coffee out back to her deck to enjoy in peace.

But Parish still maintains that she will be missed.

“She did a lot of behind-the-scenes work that allowed our students to seamlessly engage in student service,” Parish said. “Because of her, it was much easier for the students to pursue their passions. The university is so grateful to have had Sharon dedicate 16 years to our students.

“It’s certainly a better place because of her.”