Staff Stories: Teresa Sholes
Project Manager Teresa Sholes shares her professional path at 51成人猎奇.
Tell us about your own journey to Bennington.
In 2008, I had been running a consulting company with my soon-to-be ex-husband and needed to find a new path for myself. After a few interviews at the College, I was hired as the Assistant to the Provost and Dean of the College, Elissa Tenney.
I went on to be the Executive Assistant to President Coleman and then Project Manager under CFO Laura Krause. I continued my path at the College because positions were not defined by a list, but rather by one's skills, interests, and abilities.
What do you do in your current position at the College?
I report part time to the CFO and Director of IT. I do data management of the budget, manage the campus' meal plans, do the health center financial appeals, and engage in many other varied tasks that connect departments.
In the past, I also ran the campus bookstore for eight years and the COVID testing site for two years.
What do you love to do in your time away from Bennington?
In the last two years, I have worked remotely from Arizona. I have a fully-equipped B-class van in which I travel and work. I love hiking, walking and discovering cities, live music, and dancing.
I continued my path at the College because positions were not defined by a list, but rather by one's skills, interests, and abilities.
Project Manager Teresa Sholes
What are some of your proudest professional achievements?
I am very proud of my work as Bookstore Manger. While handling my many other tasks, I transformed the Bookstore three times: first in its original space in the Barn, then in its temporary space in the EAC after the Barn fire, and finally in its current home in lower Commons. I ran it and kept it open all through COVID to meet the needs of students on campus.
What is your favorite part of working at Bennington?
My ever-changing position. I have often said the my position is not unlike the Plan process.
What advice do you want to share with current or prospective Bennington students?
Do not underestimate everything you know and will know. Believe that you can do and try so many different things. If something grabs your attention, even in the smallest way, listen to it!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Walking the VAPA halls and stairs, then ending up sitting in a sunny window to look out over the lawn.