Get to Know HFC: Sheri Flaniken keeps campus running while pursuing her degree

HFC Facilities Third Shift Supervisor Sheri Flaniken is one of the College’s unsung heroes, and does not often see people who work at the College during the day. Her regular shift is from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

“It’s so easy for staff and students to assume that our department works 9-5, but it takes a crew working around the clock to keep our campus running," said HFC Facilities Manager Stephanie Scicluna. "Sheri and her team’s efforts can go unnoticed and face an uphill battle due to the time restrictions on daily communication and the struggle of staffing those who are willing to work such a demanding shift. To oversee a crew of 16-20 people while we are all at home sleeping calls for a top-notch dedicated professional, and Sheri is that person. As the manager tasked with cleaning and maintaining buildings that are dark and silent throughout the night, Sheri’s dedication to keeping her team focused and our College ready to go for staff and students’ morning arrivals requires an absolute powerhouse. Sheri is that and so much more! I can’t imagine the facilities team without her.”

Finishing her education through the encouragement of her mentor

The youngest of two daughters, Flaniken is a lifelong Detroiter. She is the mother of five children, ages 38 to 19. Two of them have attended HFC, as did her niece. An alumna of East Catholic High School, Flaniken earned her associate degree in criminal justice from HFC. This fall, she will transfer to Wayne State University and complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I need only three more classes to obtain my bachelor’s,” said Flaniken.

Since 2012, Flaniken has worked at HFC, beginning as a student. She joined facilities in 2014. She has been third shift supervisor since 2022. Flaniken reports to Interim Director of Facility Services Shane Mayhew. She worked for many years for Reuben Brukley, who recently left the College. He served as her mentor and encouraged her to earn her degrees.

“I’ll make him proud of my accomplishments! Reuben influenced me to continue pursuing my educational goals and reach the top!” said Flaniken. “He always provided me with support, encouragement, great advice, and excellent coaching, which gave me the courage to move forward as a facilities manager. I have a good working relationship with all the employees I supervise. I learned endless skills, acquired lots of training, and gained lots of knowledge working with Reuben. I will always remember him as a special person for me and our third-shift team. We have the upmost respect for him and his leadership.”

Before he moved to Georgia, Brukley spoke about Flaniken.

“Sheri is the bomb and is of extraordinarily high value to the College,” he said. “She plays an absolutely critical role. I'd put her management skills, coachability, and work ethic up against anyone, and would put my money on Sheri all day.”

Her character leads the way

Facilities Manager Nathan Baloga has worked with Flaniken since 2023 when he began serving as the midnight shift engineer. The two quickly developed a strong working relationship built on mutual trust and reliability. Flaniken depended on Baloga to be prompt, decisive, and efficient. Baloga relied on her to keep him informed of any concerns that arose throughout the night.

"I had the opportunity to observe Sheri’s leadership style and work ethic, and it became clear to me that her dedication to her role are rooted in two core principles: commitment to the mission and unwavering support for her team,” he said.

Now that Baloga and Flaniken are both on the Facilities Management Team, they work together in a different capacity.

“This has reinforced my earlier impressions,” said Baloga. “Her commitment to the mission, as well as the care and empowerment she provides to her team, as employees and as individuals, is something I admire.”

Mayhew echoed Baloga’s sentiments.

"Sheri's an outstanding supervisor and a tremendous leader, but her most outstanding trait is her character,” said Mayhew. “Everything that she does is authentic and 100% genuine. I have the utmost respect for her. Sheri's honesty, integrity, and dedication are unmatched, and I'm extremely grateful to have her on the Facilities Management Team."

Commanding the respect of her teammates

Flaniken aspires to work in law enforcement, either as a police officer or a probation officer.

“I decided to continue my education in hopes of moving into a different career,” she said. “The best part of taking classes at HFC was meeting new people and being part of a diverse culture. I learned many things about the different cultures and backgrounds of people at the College.”

Scicluna spoke about how proud she is of Flaniken pursuing higher education.

“For a sense of how much I respect Sheri Flaniken, we’re two of just three females in an all-male team,” said Scicluna. “When she speaks and commands a room, you see how she has earned the respect of her team and takes pride in the work they do, while still having compassion and empathy for those around her. I was so thrilled when I heard she’s obtaining her degree, and I can’t wait to celebrate her hard-earned achievement!”