The College of Liberal Arts is celebrating the retirement of Sharon Brush, whose 30-year career in human resources has left a lasting mark on the institution. For the past decade, she’s been the steady heart of the Dean’s Office, serving as their senior fiscal and human resources officer.

Brush is known for her calm demeanor, compassionate leadership and commitment to supporting colleagues and staff throughout the College.

“Sharon is one of the most considerate, kind and knowledgeable people I know,” said Sara Peck, fiscal and human resources coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts. “It has been an honor to work for her over the last few years. To say she is beyond reproach is an understatement. She will be greatly missed.”

Over the years, Sharon has proven to be much more than a colleague. She’s been a mentor, a friend and a true example of career dedication at the University.

Brandon Ford, fiscal and human resources officer for the School of Social Work, recalled how Brush inspired him early in his role. “She instantly became my inspiration for how I wanted to grow into my position and emulate the knowledge she carried within her role in the College of Liberal Arts,” he said.

Ford also shared a personal memory of Brush that spoke to her warmth and character. “I brought my son to work one day in the summer of 2024 and introduced him to Sharon. That simple introduction sparked a conversation about our shared love for our family.” Ford states, “It’s that kind of presence I’ll miss the most.”

Excitingly, Brush is retiring alongside her husband, Dan Brush, who is concluding his career this year in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. We simultaneously thank him for his dedication to the University and wish him and Sharon a wonderful retirement!

Together, they plan to embark on a long-awaited RV road trip across the country, exploring places they’ve never seen, but always dreamed of. Most importantly, they plan to spend lots of extra time with beloved family, especially their grandchildren.

Sharon has long been a reassuring presence in the College of Liberal Arts, a steady hand whose deep knowledge and quiet competence brought both confidence and calm. Whether celebrating achievements or navigating challenges, her support made each moment feel purposeful and manageable.

Reflecting on Sharon's impact, Dean Isabelli shared, “I still remember being a brand-new department chair and how grateful I was for Sharon’s patient guidance and institutional memory. Now, as Dean, I continue to rely on the example she set. Her retirement marks the end of an era, and she leaves behind not just a legacy of service, but also many grateful colleagues… including me.”