Sharon Anderson, director of active learning, has been working in CEAS since February 2008
Sharon served as the Graduate Advisor in Mechanical Engineering for 7 years and has been in her current role as the Director of Active Learning for 6 years. She graduated from CU with a diploma in Education and a BA in Psychology. Sharon is married to a fellow CU alum, Greg Anderson, who majored in Aerospace engineering. Greg was Navy ROTC during their time at CU. After graduation they headed off to Pensacola for flight school. Sharon was an elementary teacher during all their time in the military. After 21 years of going where the Navy sent them, Greg retired, and they moved back to Colorado in 2007. Sharon and Greg have four children, three of whom are CU alumni, one from Mechanical Engineering, which makes for a total of 5 Buffs in their family! Sharon has one granddaughter, Delilah Grace, but hopes to have many more in the next few years now that all four children are married.
How are you getting involved and/or hoping to get involved within the CEAS community?
I am an inaugural member of the CEAS staff council. I enjoy working with staff from across the college in this role. I also enjoy working with undergrads in the DLA and CU SPUR programs that I run, along with the graduate students and faculty who mentor them.
How do you enjoy practicing self-care and/or community care?
I make sure that I go to the gym first thing every morning (as much as possible). I also enjoy taking Tulip, my golden retriever who is a certified therapy dog to the engineering center and to a local nursing home.
Describe one of your favorite traditions.
I love when my family all get together for a family dinner. It gets harder and harder to do, but when we do get together it’s always a special, fun time.
What is an ordinary moment in your life that brings you joy?
Standing at the top of the lift at Mary Jane with my husband and looking at the beautiful valley below before we ski down the mountain.
What is a motto or quote that you hold dear and why?
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When I was very sick with sepsis and in the ICU for 10 days in 2019, my daughter Alyssa posted this quote on my wall. I looked at it every day and it gave me the strength and hope to work hard to get well.
