Shelly Hart, 25 years

Tell us a little about the work you've done at Emory throughout your career.

During my time at Emory, I have held several positions at Candler School of Theology, including Secretary, Coordinator, Admissions Advisor, Assistant Director and Associate Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, and finally Director of Academic Administration and (School) Registrar. 

What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Emory?

Some of my favorite memories have included celebrating the school’s (Candler School of Theology’s) centennial, participating in Excellence Through Leadership with a cohort of outstanding colleagues, staff summer potlucks and holiday white elephant parties, being part of a curriculum task force that took on superhero identities (FITForce!) and wore Emory blue or gold capes during our faculty retreat presentation. 

Me in front of the Carlos Museum.

What are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed over the course of your career?

The evolution of technology (when I was a student a lot of our faculty still used overhead projectors and transparencies!) and the changes in our physical plant and campus resources such as upgraded libraries, classrooms, and housing facilities were among the most significant changes I witnessed. 

Is there anything you miss from "back in the day"?

I miss when Candler School of Theology students had Turner Village as an on-campus housing option (it was where Emory Point is now). Also, there were so many good restaurants in Emory Village, such as Cedar Tree and Everybody’s. 

I had the privilege to take a class with Archbishop Bishop Desmond Tutu when he was on the Candler faculty.

What do you hope for the future of Emory?

A strong, diverse, equitable community of belonging and learning that continues Emory’s legacy of making a difference in the community around us and the world. I hope for continued connections with exemplary world leaders like we have had with President Carter, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Desmond Tutu during the past few decades. 

Anything else you would like to share?

I came to Emory as a master’s student a few weeks after the 1996 Olympics and started as a student worker in admissions. I have been given tremendous growth and development opportunities throughout my career. It’s a joy to serve and facilitate the engagement of students who do so much good in the world. I’m so grateful every day. 

Me and my spouse, Mark Crenshaw (99T), at World of Coke.