Shari Garnett has dedicated more than three decades to SIU, serving in a variety of capacities before being promoted to her current position as business/administrative associate for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Colleagues say she “works tirelessly to provide excellent customer service to the students, faculty, staff and community of Southern Illinois.”
For her efforts, leadership and hard work, she was chosen as the 2025 winner of SIU’s university-level Civil Service Staff Excellence Award, one of eight Excellence Awards presented April 23 to honor faculty and staff for superior scholarship and creative endeavors, teaching and service.
Garnett is “an excellent role model and a mentor to the students and staff she works with every day,” wrote Tena Bennett, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary enterprises and student affairs, in nominating her for the award. “Her ability to empower, motivate and direct students and staff is excellent. Shari brings a positive attitude to everything she does, encouraging others to do the same and has an excellent skill set, which includes prioritization, organization, dependability and resourcefulness. Her leadership and unselfishness that she has demonstrated throughout her career have earned her the respect of her colleagues across campus.”
This award recognizes a staff member who makes significant contributions in furthering the mission of the university and contributing to student success as they perform the duties of their position.
Garnett said she was initially “shocked” to learn she is this year’s award winner.
“I know there are a lot of terrific civil service employees working on this campus, so being singled out amongst such a sea of hard-working people was a surprise,” Garnett said. “Now I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. I sincerely feel honored to represent the diligent civil service employees who make SIU a success.”
Get to know SHARI GARNETT
Name: Shari Garnett
Department/title: Business/administrative associate, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Years at SIU Carbondale: 32.
Give us the elevator pitch for your job.
I directly manage budgets/finances for the vice chancellor’s office. That includes New Student Programs, First Year Experience, Non-Traditional Student Services, First Saluki Center, Students’ Legal Assistance, Student Rights & Responsibilities, the Green Fund and Sustainability, Veterans Services, Transportation Activities, Campus Night Safety, Vending Commission and the Student Activity Fees. In addition, I provide general oversight and assistance to Student Affairs’ business services staff within various auxiliary units including University Housing, the Student Center, Recreational Sports and Services, and Rainbow’s End as well as other units such as the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office for Access and Accommodations, Achieve, Student Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. I see myself as the “go to” person to answer questions, provide guidance and advice and supply information on processes, history, procedures and so forth.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I have been fortunate to have had a variety of positions across the university as I completed my degree, and I’ve obtained promotions over the years. I have worked in administrative offices, academics and now in student affairs. The thing I enjoy most about working in student affairs is working with a large variety of people. I get to interact with students, and I have terrific colleagues and administrators, all of whom offer different perspectives, backgrounds and insight.
Why did you choose SIU?
I originally chose SIU because I had multiple family members who had worked for SIU, and it just seemed to be the thing to do. I stayed because I love the atmosphere and the rewarding feeling I get as I play a small part in helping SIU’s students develop their futures.
I’m happiest when I am: Spending time with my family. My dad passed away when I was only 26 years old. He and I were a lot alike, so we didn’t get along well when I was a child and adolescent. However, we developed a close bond after I moved out of the house. I cherish those memories. The lesson I learned in losing him so young was to treasure those we love because the future is not promised. I am the mother of two tremendous children, of whom I am very proud. I have been married to their father for almost 35 years, and I’m looking forward to spending my retirement with him. I also have a beautiful mother, two terrific sisters, nephews and nieces, and hundreds of cousins (my maternal grandmother was one of 11 children) – all of whom I love very much.
What was your first car, and would you like to have it once again if you could? Why or why not?
My first car was a 1978 Ford Mustang II Ghia. It was navy blue, with a tan roof, tan pinstriping, tan hubcaps, and a tan leather interior. Boy, did those seats get hot in the summer, but yes, I would love to own it again. It isn’t worth much monetarily, but it is priceless in sentimental value to me. My paternal grandfather helped me purchase the vehicle, and I have fond memories of my father showing me how to properly maintain it.
