Nebraska Today has partnered with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to feature female office/service staff who go above and beyond in their work at Dear Old Nebraska U. This Women of Service series will run through March.
Every employee featured in this series was nominated by a member of the campus community.
Today, the series continues with Sharon Hachtel, office associate at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center. Hatchel has worked for UNL for more than 50 years and remains inspired by the impact of the university’s research and outreach.
Hatchel sat down with commission members to discuss what drives her to success on and off campus.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and grew up in Hastings, Nebraska. I graduated from Adams Central High School and continued my education at a business school, where I graduated with an office/business major.
I held two office associate positions in private industry before I was employed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1974 as an office associate for the South Central Station at Clay Center. I am married and have two grown children and five grandchildren.
I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and attending their activities. I also enjoy reading, gardening, agriculture, sewing and spending time with friends.
How long have you been at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I have been at UNL for 50 years as of June 4, 2024.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I look forward to coming to the office and working on all the various tasks associated with my position. I enjoy being a team player and providing professional office support to the South Central Agricultural Laboratory farm manager, research analysts, technicians and temporary summer workers. We all work together as a team, which helps to make everyone's job easier. Two annual events at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory are the Weed Management Field Day and the All Faculty Field Day. I enjoy assisting in the planning of these events by providing office support with publicizing the field days, lining up the tents, caterer, working at the registration table, etc. It is very rewarding. Learning about the different research projects that are conducted each year is enjoyable to me.
What is your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
When I became employed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, our office was known as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, South Central Station. A few years later, our office name changed to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, South Central Research and Extension Center. As we were outgrowing the office complex we were in, a new office building was being built. It was interesting observing the building process and moving in. I often think of all the wonderful people I worked with over the past 50 years and how we always worked, and still work, as a team. I also think of my agricultural learning experiences over all those years. The faculty/staff reunions we have had in the past are memorable events.
What is your life like outside of work?
I really enjoy family time with my husband, children and grandchildren — going to their church and school activities.
As a family, we all like to plan a family vacation together every year. Making memories is important to all of us. Since I like agriculture, I enjoy attending the Women in Agriculture Conference. The Front Door Forum is another favorite conference of mine. Being active in church activities is very important to me. Reading and gardening are two things I like to do.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people may not know that I went on a mission trip to South Africa with a team of 10 other people. We met many nice families in South Africa. Some of the families liked to study the Bible with us. We also did some sightseeing. One of my favorite sites was Cape Point.
