Julie Gabriel Sharpe is the Associate Director of the Project Management Office within University Information Services (UIS). Her team manages IT-focused projects that support the operations and strategic goals of all CU campuses.

While information technology can be challenging, Sharpe finds a strong, dedicated community behind her, "I have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated, skilled, smart, collaborative, kind and funny people while being here. While most of the work our group does is behind the scenes, the great part about working in the System office is the opportunity to support the goals of all CU campuses," Sharpe said.

Why did you initially apply to work at CU?

After a few years of working and living in southern New Mexico, I was looking to move back to Colorado because I was recently married and my husband lived in Denver. I saw a position in the CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences that perfectly matched my background and professional experience in student records, academic advising and system implementations. I knew when I saw the job listing that it was meant to be.

Tell us about your favorite project you've completed during your time at CU.

I've been here for quite a while and have worked on many rewarding projects with many great people. One of the hardest, but most gratifying projects, was the three-year implementation of the current student information systems and degree audit/transfer credit system. In 2010, the university was moving away from a system that had been in place over 20 years. Many people worked long hours, and the work was never-ending, but I worked with a fabulous, dedicated cross-campus implementation team. It was an enormous challenge, but I am happy about the experience and friendships that came out of that project. 

What is the best part of your workday?

While I am an introvert at heart, the best part of my day is interacting with the people at CU, especially when we are solving problems or moving efforts forward to support the institution's goals. 

What is a typical day at CU look like for you?

Meetings! We manage a lot of concurrent efforts, so I can often be found in meeting rooms connecting with other people to move various efforts forward.

What do you enjoy most about living in Colorado?

The energy and lifestyle. When I first moved to Colorado, I realized that if you are bored here, then you are boring. There is so much to do - inside and outdoors - and I like the general positive perspective and outlook of many that live here.

What is your favorite campus/neighborhood location?

I love the physical diversity of each of the campuses, so at least one place on each campus comes to mind. Off the top of my head: I love the view from the 14th floor of the Lawrence Street Center on the downtown Denver campus. When looking west, you have a great view of the city in the foreground and the Front Range mountains on the horizon.

What is your favorite area restaurant?

I don't eat out very much when at work, but I do enjoy walking over to Fluid Coffee Bar, which is just a couple blocks from the system office. It is locally owned and operated, and the staff there is friendly.

What do you enjoy doing on your spare time?

I am fortunate enough to have a fabulous husband, two kiddos, a cat and a dog at home - and a pile of great siblings and siblings-in-law. During my spare time, I enjoy long walks with my dog, spending time with my kiddos, camping, skiing, and family and friend get-togethers.

What is your favorite perk or benefit at CU?

In general, I appreciate that CU offers great benefits. I recently took advantage of the discounted tickets for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. That was great!

What would be your one piece of advice for someone interested in working at CU?

Talk to someone who works on the campus or in the department for which you are interested in working to gain some perspective about its culture and the professional opportunities that exist there. Since CU is so large, complex and diverse, there is likely a good fit and opportunity here for you some place.