Long-Time Registrar Retires After Decades of Service to York

After over 40 years at York College, Registrar Sharon Davidson is retiring from the institution that has been her academic and professional home since her teens.

A member of the Class of 1982, Davidson began her York journey as both a scholar and athlete. As a forward on the Women's Basketball team, she played during the time when the college's sports teams were still called the Nomads, before rebranding as the Cardinals in 1986.

Initially a Biology major, Davidson switched to Community Health Education. She fondly remembers her close friendship with fellow student Sharon Walker, a teammate, and their mentor, Biology Professor Emeritus Jack Schlein, who often brought his daughter to their games and silently earned the title of "Papa Jack" from the two students.

Davidson first joined the Registrar's Office in 1978 as a federal Work-Study student, answering phones and assisting students. After graduating, she remained with the office, rising through the ranks, becoming associate registrar in 1996, interim registrar in 2000, and full registrar later that year.

When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Davidson immediately responded, "Oh the students. They have so much to teach you. I love their diverse backgrounds and loved seeing those I may have personally helped, walk across the graduation stage."

She also expressed deep gratitude for her office team, calling them "like a second family" and reflecting on the emotional reunion after the COVID-19 pandemic. "Seeing how much they missed each other made me drop a tear," she said.

Davidson says her biggest challenge and success as registrar was transitioning from SIMS - Student Information Management System to CUNYfirst, the then-new enrollment and student system. She dedicated months to preparing the system for York College's transition, spending three days per week at CUNY to ensure its success for York.

As she retires, Davidson has complete confidence in her team, especially her deputy, Jo-Ann Fellows, whom she believes is well-prepared to lead. In her retirement, Davidson looks forward to reading mystery novels and exploring New York State and beyond, while spending time with her family and her close-knit group of York classmates.