EIU Media Relations

Eastern Illinois University is excited to welcome Fantasy Sharrett as the new Assistant Director of Human Resources. Sharrett started in her new EIU role November 12. 

 

Sharrett brings more than18 years of comprehensive Human Resources (HR) leadership experience, specializing in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition and onboarding, learning and development, people analytics, and employee engagement.

 

“Fantasy has an exceptional background in Human Resources and working with complex organizations.  We are thrilled that she has joined our team and looking forward to her contributions,” said Matt Bierman, EIU Vice President for Business Affairs.

 

Sharrett is a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM_-certified Senior HR professional, having most recently served as the Director of HR at Pacific Cycle, where she led HR initiatives for iconic brands like Schwinn and Mongoose bicycles. Her previous HR roles at Crawford Memorial Hospital and GENCO FedEx further demonstrate her experience leading HR programs across a variety of industries.

 

Sharrett holds an undergraduate degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and earned an MBA from McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. Additionally, she is a part-time professor at Penn State World Campus, where she teaches courses in Labor Relations and HR, showcasing her dedication to developing and supporting the next generation of HR professionals.

 

Outside of work, Sharrett enjoys reading, fishing, horseback riding, and spending time with her family, including her husband, JD, and their two children, Kaysen and Tayden. Together, they love traveling to different state parks and visiting her oldest, Shyanna, who serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne, stationed at Fort Liberty (North Carolina). 

 

When asked what she’s most excited about as part of the EU team, Sharrett said “...it is about connecting with the amazing staff across the campus and making a real impact in their day-to-day work, ensuring our teams have what they need to be successful.” More than that, she said, her 11-year-old son might be the most excited—as he can’t wait to dive into the college sports scene at EIU. "As a die-hard sports enthusiast, he’s already counting down the days until he can cheer from the stands at every game."

 

Bierman added that Sharrett's passion for learning, people, and culture will be an incredible asset to our HR team and the broader campus community, and encourages all employees to "welcome Sharrett to our EIU family!"