Support the Sharon Jarrett Thacker Scholarship for Creative Nonprofit Leadership

Sharon Jarrett Thacker devoted her life to serving those most in need and ensuring the nonprofit sector had a new generation of innovative and passionate leaders to be ready to handle whatever the future may hold. 

Sharon passed away in 2020 and to honor her memory, the faculty and alumni of the Public Administration Program are continuing her mission through the Sharon Jarrett Thacker Scholarship for Creative Nonprofit Leadership.

Sharon was a nonprofit administrator in Charlotte for over 25 years, taking time in the evenings to be an adjunct professor for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Public Administration Program. Sharon also served the nonprofit community at the national level as a volunteer for the Alliance for Children and Families and the Council on Accreditation. 

Sharon’s passion for building confidence and skills in young nonprofit leaders, famously stating, “Leap and the net will appear” was her greatest professional joy and made her a memorable member of the UNC Charlotte faculty and Charlotte community.

Her encouragement of creative, innovative leadership generated from her sparkling personality and ability to make everyone feel special and inspired made her a favorite among students and colleagues.

Honor Sharon's legacy by supporting the next generation of creative nonprofit leaders. 

The Sharon Jarrett Thacker Scholarship for Creative Nonprofit Leadership is awarded annually to a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Public Administration Program. Awardees must demonstrate a passion for service and an intentional plan to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.