Staff Profiles

Meet the Staff: Shea Wolfe

Shea Wolfe

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Shea Wolfe
Dean of Students and Associate Dean
Office of the Dean

What do you like most about your job?

As the Dean of Students, I enjoy assisting students with any issues or concerns that may arise and help them navigate UChicago’s support mechanisms. My position also allows me to work with world-renowned faculty and a collaborative divisional staff to assist in meeting the needs of our students. I enjoy hearing from students about their research interests and am always excited to stand on the Convocation stage with so many distinguished graduates.

What was the last good book you read?

The Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. It was an engrossing tale of greed, family drama, and the destruction of so many communities through the opioid epidemic.

You might work with me if …

You have questions about the new funding model, pedagogical training plan requirements, divisional policies and processes as it relates to students, or if you are working with a student in crisis or other financial, mental health, or medical emergency.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I have two boys—ages 10 and 13—who are very active in sports and other activities. My husband and I are University of Iowa alumni and enjoy going back to Iowa City for football and basketball games. I also love anything involving popular culture. So I can always be found watching a new TV show, seeing all of the Oscar-nominated movies, or reading a good book.

February 23, 2022

Meet the Staff: Joshua Stapleton

Joshua Stapleton

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Joshua Stapleton 
Financial and Grant Administrator,
Office of the Dean
 

What do you like most about your job?

I love being able to help those in need of financially related information. Another one of my true passions lies within customer service. I enjoy helping faculty and staff solve issues and making someone’s day when presented the opportunity. My position seamlessly combines the two, so it is a pleasure to assist those in the Division every day.

What was the last good book you read?

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle. So many of us find ourselves stuck in the past or future instead of simply just enjoying the moment and living in the now. This book helps readers to become more aware of the present instead of losing themselves in worry and anxiety about the past or future. Another classic I try to read once a year is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I enjoy the aspects of financial freedom it presents. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” If you want something badly enough, you will most certainly get it.

You might work with me if …

… you have questions on creating ePayments, GEMS reports, BuySite requests, and check and wire deposits as well as certain grant tasks.

What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important? 

To never give yourself limits. What you think may be the ceiling of your life can turn out to be the floor. With enough discipline and hard work not even the sky is the limit!

February 1, 2022

Meet the Staff: Russell Pagano

Russell Pagano

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Russell Pagano
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Development;
Division of the Humanities

What do you like most about your job?

I am honored to play a role in maintaining and growing the financial support available to students and faculty in their pursuit of expanding the collective knowledge of the Division and the University at large.

What was the last good book you read?

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, a historical fiction novel that follows the lives of two identical twin sisters and their experiences with racism and colorism from the 1940s to 1990s. I recommend that you read it before the upcoming HBO series, with executive producer Issa Rae, comes out!

You might work with me if …

You receive philanthropic funds that support your work or are involved in projects or events that are of interest to our donors and community.

What do you like best about the holiday season?

I like spending extended, uninterrupted quality time with family and friends. And pie. I really love pie.

December 2, 2021

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