Honouring an institutional memory
We were sad to hear of the death of Sheila Taylor (MA 1968) in August 2024. Sheila dedicated her life and career to the University of St Andrews and was well known to students and staff alike – the epitome of an ‘institutional memory’. Alastair Work (MA 1986) remembers Sheila and her dedication to her alma mater.
Sheila arrived in St Andrews in the 1960s from her native Aberdeenshire and never left. She matriculated in 1965 and spent three happy years studying Latin and ancient history. She was passionate about opera – Wagner especially – and was involved with the University’s Music Society, as well as the Christian Union and the Archaeological Society.
A life’s work
Upon graduation in 1968, Sheila – or Miss Taylor, as she was known to many – joined the staff at the University as an administrator. It was a role that she delivered with kindness and dedication for the rest of her working life.
During her time here, the University saw two major waves of expansion. Following the Robbins Report of 1963 and the Dearing Review of 1994, St Andrews grew rapidly from a cosy community of scholars to become the bustling, vibrant institution it is today, attracting undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world.
Sheila’s mission was always to keep the spirit of intimacy and individual care – that had long been the strength of the University community – alive. She pursued this goal in her work as the student population grew. Today, there are over 12,000 students at St Andrews.
Her career took her from the Resident Architect’s Office – which oversaw the construction of the University Library, Sports Centre and the first David Russell Hall, among other buildings – to the Establishments Office (a precursor to HR) to Registry, where she took on the mantle of Examinations Officer.
Kind, diligent and dedicated
During her tenure there, Sheila would go above and beyond to accommodate a family occasion or other worthy timetable clash, despite often having already meticulously prepared it three or four times.
Outside the long working days that characterised her diligent approach, Sheila was proud to be on the wardennial team at University Hall, serving for many years alongside the late Lorna Walker and caring for what was at that time an all-female group of residents.
Sheila served as Sub-Warden and latterly Deputy Warden from 1969-1986 and was honorary secretary of the University Hall St Andrews Graduates’ Association (UHStAGA) from 1977-1981, as well as being membership secretary for the Staff Club from 1986 onwards.
In what free time she had, Sheila was an ardent supporter of Aberdeen FC, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, not to mention the Scottish national team. She travelled to Paris to watch Scotland play against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup opener. When not spectating, she could be found binoculars in hand in search of a rare bird or two.
Remembering Sheila
In retirement Sheila was afflicted with a range of illnesses and medical complications that sadly denied her the freedom to roam – a great frustration for a keen ornithologist and football fan. She bore her illnesses with characteristic courage.
Many St Andrews alumni and colleagues – past and present – will remember Sheila fondly and respectfully. She deserves great credit for her tireless and kindly contributions to the development of her beloved alma mater. She was, to many, the epitome of an ‘institutional memory’, and I hope that those who knew Sheila will take a moment now to pause and remember her.
With thanks to Alastair Work (MA 1986), former Vice Principal and University Secretary, University of St Andrews.