Daniel Calhoun: My first time on the UTD campus was in the summer of 1990 as a wide-eyed freshman-to-be. As a Computer Science student, I worked part-time for the university in the computer labs and technical support. I joined IR as a full-time technician in 1996 and have worked at UTD for all but one year since then. I have been a lab manager, programmer, media services manager, computer technician, and special projects coordinator in my 13 years here. In August, I will complete my Masters of Public Administration degree with a focus on local government management and public personnel issues.

I served on the Staff Council for six years from 2002 to 2008, including terms as Vice President (Vice Chair), Benefits Committee Chair, and Communications Committee Chair. I am proud of the work the Staff Council has done to increase the size of scholarship endowment, lower tuition costs for employees, recognize our outstanding co-workers, promote staff wellness including free flu shots, and offer a voice for the staff in the critical decisions made by the university. I believe the Staff Council will continue to empower the staff, communicate UTD’s mission and the Staff Council’s own mission, and make the university an outstanding workplace and a world-class institution. I would be honored to represent District 2 once again. Thank you.

Sharon Edwards:  My work for UT Dallas began August 2002 as Administrative Assistant for the Center for Lithospheric Studies.  Currently my job is to provide administrative support for the center’s staff and twelve research assistants.  The center is under the direction of Professor George McMechan.

Having great organizational skills, my main duties include coordinating the workflow and interacting with the sponsors of the UT Dallas Geophysical Consortium; an industrial consortium of oil, service, and computer companies.

I am an alumnus of Grambling State University.  After ten years of service with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, I retired and moved to Cairo, GA.  While there I was a substitute teacher and co-pastor of Christ Gospel Church for seven years before returning to Dallas.

At present, I am a building liaison for Waterview Science & Tech Center.  I was also nominated by fellow staff members to serve on staff council.  My desire has always been to serve and work for the common good of everyone.  I am prepared to address issues or concerns related to work and the UTD community.  As a staff member I would like to see the enrichment of our co-workers serving not only our needs but the needs of the UTD community.  As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give”.

My leisure activities include singing, dancing, creating floral arrangements, gardening, traveling and browsing antiques shops.