She worked in accounting on campus for five years before moving to the payroll office in 1992, and after 25 years of service at Emporia State, Sharon Woods, payroll director, will retire at the end of January.

“Sharon Woods is very personable, very congenial,” said Diana Kuhlmann, associate vice president of Fiscal Affairs and director of the Budget Office. “I think she is very dedicated. She has a strong work ethic, and she does what needs to (be done to) get the job done. I am very pleased with Sharon’s performance.”

Woods said she considers the payroll staff her ESU family and that it has been a good experience working as a team. She also received her MBA here.

When Woods first started working in payroll, she just used paper and pencils, and over the years, she has witnessed firsthand the changes in technology, which have sometimes been challenging to adapt to.

“The system the government uses is very complex. It’s never been static,” Woods said. “That’s the hardest thing – trying to keep up on all the regulations changing from pay period to pay period.”

Kuhlmann said it takes a very patient personality to work in payroll because people often have questions about their paychecks and benefits and that Woods does a “terrific job.”

“Sometimes people are really unhappy with the things they are asking about,” Kuhlmann said. “So, having patience and working through those issues, being able to provide information, being congenial are good qualities that Sharon has. She handles the interpersonal relationships, as well the payroll issues very well.”

Woods said she would miss her “ESU family” since she has worked with her colleagues for such a long time.

“It takes a team to get the payroll done,” Woods said. “It’s just been a great place to work.”

Jennifer Felix, senior music major, who has worked with Woods since July 2012, said Woods has been a “fantastic boss” and that she will be sad to see her go.

“Sharon’s work ethic impressed me a lot,” Felix said. “What she puts back into work is just a great example to us (of) what an employer should be. I just learned to take every problem that comes at you and just deal with the problem you have – use the best of your ability.”

Woods said after retiring she will relax and do things like take a cruise with her family to Alaska next summer. After that, she will reevaluate what she will do next.

There will be a reception in honor of Woods from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28 in Plumb Hall.