University Recreation
Grandison’s Connection to Student Body Brings Spark to UREC
By Wyatt Crosher, Assistant Director of Communications for Student Affairs
It’s usually difficult to stand out in a crowd, but Sean Grandison finds a way to do exactly that for the thousands that walk through the University Recreation Center (UREC) every day.
Grandison, a building environmental services technician at UREC for nearly three years, makes his personality part of the job description. The results are clear through the number of conversations he has with students, earning Grandison an Above and Beyond Facilities Support Award at the student affairs divisional awards this past spring.
“It was so fulfilling, even though I'm not doing it for accolades, to be recognized by the faculty and staff that come in the building,” Grandison said. “All of my hours in this building, the award meant for me that I was making a difference.”
Grandison never planned on coming to North Carolina. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, his sights were set on moving to Miami before his brother was stationed in Charlotte and began persuading Grandison to join him.
After about a year, Grandison made the move and found work at the University through a temp service. Near the end of his contract, Grandison’s supervisor recommended him for a different position in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC).
Grandison worked at the SAC for 10 years before moving over to UREC, and that change of on-campus scenery ended up being a game changer for him.
“When you hear people say ‘do what you love,’ I honestly didn't know that I was going to love it because it's a little different [at UREC] than the Student Activity Center. We would have a lot of events, but we didn't constantly have foot traffic like we do here,” Grandison said. “But I love the interaction. It's really fun for me to come to work and to be able to interact with the students. They keep me updated on everything that's going on.”
Watch Grandison in his element for five minutes and it’s clear what he means: Students coming up to him, giving him warm greetings in the middle of the busiest hallway in the facility with updates on stories they clearly had talked about before.
It’s evident not only to the students, but also to Grandison’s co-workers, how much he genuinely cares.
“Nearly 4,000 students utilize the University Recreation Center every day, and I imagine nearly all of them have had a positive interaction with Sean Grandison,” Grandison’s award nomination read. “Sean is certainly a master of his trade, but what makes Sean an icon within UREC is his ability to connect with colleagues and patrons in the facility. Sean is one of the greatest advocates for UREC that I know, and he is integral in creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment for everyone who comes into the facility.”
Being personable comes naturally to Grandison, but he had no idea he would have this level of impact when he joined the UREC staff in 2022. By simply being open to conversations, Grandison has talked with students, as well as anyone else who attends UREC, about “pretty much everything.”
While plenty of these chats have been normal small talk or exciting highs, Grandison said students have also opened up to him about personal struggles and stories that range “from the most incredible to the most devastating.”
“Once this started reoccurring every day, I told myself, ‘You know what? This is more important than just regular conversation,’” he said. “To be able to confide in me, I wanted to give the best advice possible. I don't want to just blurt something out. The biggest thing is just being the support for them.”
Grandison credits his supervisor, Bridget Johnson, for allowing him to bring his personality into the role. He said Johnson, as well as the entirety of the UREC staff, allow Grandison to be himself.
As for what inspires Grandison to have this open style of communication, it’s a point of pride that comes with the job. He not only loves talking with UREC attendees, he loves when he can connect students with other students through his conversations.
“A lot of times, I'll be engaged in a conversation and another student will come up in the conversation and say 'Hey, how are you doing?’” Grandison said. “That's a beautiful thing on a campus of 32,000.”
Grandison’s grown his position at the facility into something unique and suited for what he does best: Being a voice, listening ear or mood booster to anyone who may need it.
“The students see this guy who always has all this energy. I think it’s infectious in a good way. When they come into the building, even if they’re not feeling good today, they know he's going to be excited. I love to bring everybody's energy up,” Grandison said. “It’s the most exciting thing about being able to help.”