Sharon Lee Saylor Hoard went home to Glory at 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2019, following a long and prosperous life doing what she loved most, serving her family, community, and the many students that she touched throughout her long and distinguished career in higher education.
The daughter of an Army veteran, Sharon was born April 12, 1959, at the U.S. Army installation in Heidelberg, Germany. She graduated from La Reine High School in Suitland, Maryland, and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Towson State University and George Washington University, respectively. She was also an alumna of Leadership Greensboro.
Sharon always had diverse interests, but her first love was working with students—a passion that drove her work. Her career began at George Washington University as a financial aid counselor, followed by a time at her beloved alma mater, Towson State University, where she served as an area coordinator. Sharon went on to serve as a service-learning coordinator at Harrisburg Community College and, upon moving to Durham, North Carolina, became director of the North Carolina Central University Teaching Fellows.
Sharon moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, and began her career at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as the director of the Teaching Fellows. She eventually moved to the Division of Student Affairs where she ended her professional career as the director of leadership and engagement in the Office of Student Development.
The following are some of Sharon’s many highlights at N.C. A&T: obtained campus recognition with the National Society of Leadership and Development; created and managed iLead, a self-directed leadership program for students; served as coordinator of the university’s Thurgood Marshall Institute activities; and as advisor to the Ayantee Yearbook staff, Graduate Student Advisory Council, and Saudi Student Association. Sharon also coordinated the School of Education Brick Campaign; managed the Friends of the School of Education; spearheaded the creation of a campus food pantry; assisted with various service-learning programs; helped coordinate the annual Sit-in Anniversary Breakfast that commemorates the A&T Four; and coordinated the local, state and national election/voter registration campaigns, for which she recently received national recognition. Sharon’s latest accomplishment was the publication of an article in the Student Leadership Journal.
Sharon was predeceased by her father, Edgar Lawrence Saylor, and sister, Linda Ann Saylor. She is survived by her daughter, Taylor Marissa Hoard; husband, David Walter Hoard; mother, Garnette Fernelle Saylor; sister, Vicky Arnette Saylor McClinton; brother-in-law, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret) Gregory McClinton Sr.; niece, Chelsea McClinton; nephew, Gregory McClinton Jr.; and many other loving relatives. Sharon also leaves behind numerous friends, colleagues and acquaintances in many sectors of the community and throughout higher education.
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