Sydney Wood, Employee Relations Specialist
What is your background?
I graduated from UCO with two bachelor’s degrees: one in Human Resource Management and the other in Legal Studies. I started working as the Employee Relations Assistant at the beginning of my senior year, so when the opportunity to intern over the summer came up, I jumped on it! Fortunately, a full-time position opened in the department and I was able to stay on as the Employee Relations Specialist. I’m very excited to be staying at UCO!
Tell me how you first got involved at UCO.
Growing up in Edmond, I have always been surrounded by UCO—whether that be attending high school football games in Wantland stadium or learning to drive in its empty parking lots. Eventually, I ended up enrolling at UCO as a student in the fall of 2015. During my time as an undergraduate, I participated in many on campus activities and organizations: BronchoThon, Big Event, and Alpha Delta Pi to name a few. I loved my time as a student at UCO, and now I’m excited to continue my Broncho journey as a staff member!
What would you say your strongest beliefs are about your contribution to the University?
I feel passionately about creating an inclusive work environment that empowers faculty and staff to bring their best selves to work every day. I get to work with an incredibly dedicated team that works to support the University and the Broncho Community. While a major part of my job involves enforcing University Policies & Procedures, I also get to participate in the very rewarding job of recognizing our faculty and staff for all of their hard work and dedication.
What do you do when you are not working?
In a pre-COVID world, I enjoyed going to the movies, trying new restaurants with friends and traveling. Now, you can find me watching too much Netflix (and Tik Toks), ordering a lot of Postmates and searching for hidden gems around Oklahoma with my friends and girlfriend.
