Working hard and moving forward are values Christopher Jerome keeps close to home.
The Pennsylvania native balances a full-time career as an office manager with a significant workload as a student at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). His company, Sheetz, a convenience store chain on the East Coast, offers a spectacular work culture, which Chris says pushed him to elevate himself through sheer passion and appreciation.
Between free time spent volunteering and cultivating hobbies, Chris follows his calling of leadership through almost every avenue in his life, from personal to professional.
Chris has lived his entire life in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where his work history has followed suit. His first role at a Bob Evans restaurant ignited a call into leadership, where he worked as a general manager. After COVID closed his location, he landed a position with Sheetz and worked his way up from a customer service representative to a management position.
Today, Chris works as an office manager for the accounting and finance division, as well as the petroleum division for Sheetz, a position he is proud to hold. Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, Chris participates in several exciting projects, including a complete remodel of the company’s finance building and tearing down and redesigning the Sheetz field suite at the local minor league ballpark. With another 1,000 stores set to open, Chris says he is excited about the future.
Being in a leadership role is a point of passion for Chris, as he thrives on the decision-making process required for his line of work.
“I just enjoy the aspect of leading people, of being able to come up with solutions to problems and pitch ideas,” he says. “There's not a day that goes by that I don't like what I'm doing.”
UAGC As a Constant
While college remains a priority for Chris, his original timeline was altered in a significant way. He started a four-year college program right after high school, but after his brother unexpectedly passed away from suicide, he paused his education and withdrew during his first semester. Luckily, the large, close-knit family on his mom’s side provided the support he needed during that difficult time, giving him the strength necessary to keep moving forward.
“We just pulled together and got through it, and talked about the good times, and cried when we needed to, and we remember him every day,” Chris reflects. “It's given me the courage to talk to other people who feel like they might be in that same boat.”
Twenty years later, Chris is back to work on his degree program. When he made the decision to pursue an education at UAGC, the rationale turned out to be an easy one. His company offers a tuition grant program, where the cost of attendance is covered in full and contingent on his passing grades.
“I want to be that person that somebody can feel comfortable coming to and having a conversation with, whether it be good or bad, and walking away and not feeling horrible about themselves,” he says.
At present, Chris has achieved more than just those passing grades. Being named to the Dean’s List twice a year to date reflects the hard work and dedication he devotes to his studies.
Now, Chris is working toward his bachelor of arts degree in business leadership* and hopes to graduate in 2028.
Chris says his husband supports his efforts to complete his degree program, and at the core, he knows his brother would also applaud his educational endeavors.
“I know he'd be proud of what I'm doing,” he says.
Once earned, Chris hopes the degree will help him land a senior management role or director position at Sheetz.
“I want to be able to be competitive enough to move into one of those roles, and I know obtaining my degree and having that degree is going to be key for that,” he acknowledges.
Chris touts Sheetz’s culture, which he says fully supports different lifestyles, races, and backgrounds, things which are of utmost importance to Chris.
“I can be myself,” he says. “They've given me a lot of freedom, and I can make decisions and not have to worry. They care. They consistently make the Forbes top 100 every year for best company, best places to work.”
Personal Life
The flexibility of UAGC helps Chris to accomplish his assignments, but with a full-time job and his various hobbies, staying organized remains paramount. Outside of his professional life, Chris gives back to his community in fashions that act as a testament to his desire to lead with compassion.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Chris also works to find accepting outlets and a strong network for himself. While he was raised Catholic, he switched to a Lutheran church in adulthood. Along with helping to put on dinner events through Lent, he remains active in his church kitchen throughout the year and retains a solid friend group.
“I want to be that person that somebody can feel comfortable coming to and having a conversation with, whether it be good or bad, and walking away and not feeling horrible about themselves,” he says.
A background in the alto saxophone and clarinet has also led him to volunteering in the marching band at his former high school, where he has spent the last nine years working alongside his former high school band director to act as a mentor for the kids.
“It makes me feel good to be able to help the community and see these kids grow,” he says. "It's good to see that growth and maturity and being able to build that in them.”
--
*The Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification in any state.
Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.