UMAC 10-Year Administrator Profile: Sharon Kleven, Northwestern
Interview and Photo by Northwestern Athletics Communications
Each Friday throughout 2018-19 as part of the “UMAC 10-Year Celebration”, the conference will highlight the people who have made an impact on the league and make it a special community to be a part of. This feature series focuses on UMAC administrators who positively impact the student-athlete experience.
Interview with Sharon Kleven, Athletics Office Manager at University of Northwestern
Q: Tell us a little about yourself, your current role, and how long you have been at the University of Northwestern.
A: I began working at what was at that time Northwestern College as the athletic office manager on June 19, 2000. I am a mother, Nana and hopefully a good friend to many. I live in Blaine MN.
Q: What can you tell us about your role and responsibilities as the Office Manager for Northwestern athletics?
A: In my current role as office manager I carry out the duties (whatever they may be) to help maintain the athletic office – schedules, purchase orders and check requests, rosters, van requests. But my favorite things to be doing are the “extra” activities when we get to host a tournament or something of that nature. I love coming to work every single day!
Q: How have you seen Northwestern athletics and the UMAC change throughout your years as office manager?
A: I am always amazed at the UNW athletes. From the very beginning of my tenure here I have watched these athletes do so many things and do them well….they are students, athletes, take on part time jobs, have a burden for the unsaved, and while wearing all of those hats carry good grades and are good athletes.
Q: What do you think is your most important duty and responsibility as office manager?
A: I believe my goal each day is to see that the cog of the wheel keeps rolling along. There are many moving parts in this office and each one needs to run smoothly and sometimes that means changing what you are doing at the drop of a hat. Seldom are two days the same. However, they are always an adventure.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a part of athletics at the University of Northwestern?
A: Playing the part of the cog in the wheel. I love all of the controlled chaos during the busy time and seasons. Each season has a different feel to it.
Q: What are you excited about for Northwestern athletics and the UMAC in the upcoming years?
A: Each year the teams “compete with purpose” and get better and more competitive. That makes them more fun to watch and see where the Lord takes each team. Each team has a different spiritual feel with it as well.
Q: What are a few of your hobbies outside of Northwestern athletics?
A: I love to bake, cook, entertain and shop! Baking is relaxing for me and really so is cooking. But since I am a family of one I often bake and cook and give it away. I volunteer at my church for the meal ministry. I often times cook a meal and then use the leftovers to make a meal for someone else. When and if I ever retire I would love to shop for people who are not able to get around any longer or don’t have time to do it. Shopping is also relaxing for me. Because I love to do all of those things, planning an evening of entertainment is also fun for me. I am an organized person so the planning part is a fun challenge.
Q: Talk about your connection with the UMAC Commissioner, Corey Borchardt?
A: Corey was a committed, hard-working student worker when I first began working at UNW. After his graduation he was hired as the Sports Information Director and from there moved into the role of UMAC Commissioner. I don’t remember how long he was single when I suggested he maybe should consider dating this “friend” that stopped periodically at the office. Surprise – that is the wonderful lady he eventually ended up marrying. A few years later he and Lexi ended up living right next door to me. He was a great neighbor and “watched out” for me. He no longer lives there, but it was nice to have him as a neighbor until his family outgrew that home.
Q: Aside from your typical role at UNW, what have been some of your “other duties as assigned” over the years?
A: Because I am a people person, I love to take part in many of the “other duties as assigned”. The shopper in me likes to pick up concessions food – especially on a moment’s notice. I love to help out in the concession stand when the students aren't able to or help with tournaments that require extra staffing. The preseason fall time is especially active and we often get together at a park for a picnic with our coaches and their families. Our office does many events for our staff – we have soup days, a Christmas appetizer party, chocolate fountain in April and birthdays celebrated monthly with treats. In May we often end the school year with a staff picnic at someone’s home. Don’t worry though, we know how to get down to business too! Managing 20 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams means there is never a dull moment.
And because we have all of these things that happen in our office, I don’t know that I want to retire and not be this excited about each day!