Alumni Story: Sue Bailey

Back to Where It All Began: Sue Bailey’s Return to Campus

When Sue Bailey planned a simple stop in Charleston, she had no idea it would turn into something unforgettable.

A 1980 graduate of the University, Sue decided to visit campus during her travels and sent out a casual message to a few friends—an open invitation to meet for lunch at the student union. What happened next was something special.

“To my surprise, eight actually showed up!” Sue shared.

Old roommates, sorority sisters, and dear friends gathered together—including Dr. Bren Stevens (’80), a former classmate and sorority sister who now serves as UC’s Athletic Director. In an instant, time seemed to collapse.

“For a few hours, we all got to remember what it felt like to be college kids again,” Sue said. “Laughing, reminiscing, reliving such impactful years of our lives.”

One of the most meaningful moments of the visit came when Sue walked out to the riverbank—a place that held deep personal significance during her college years.

“That was sacred space to me,” she reflected. “I used to sit out there with my guitar, and one by one, people would join me until there’d be a big group just relaxing, talking, singing—magical times.”

The visit concluded with a tour of the newly renovated gymnasium. For Sue, a former multi-sport student-athlete who played basketball, softball, and even a season of volleyball, the building held decades of memories.

“Bren even handed me a ball and let me loose on the new court,” she laughed. “Let’s just say almost 50 years has taken a toll on my basketball skills—ha!”

While much has changed on campus, one thing hasn’t: the enduring bond of friendship.

“We’re in our 60s now, but those friendships haven’t faded,” Sue said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

Sue graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, along with an endorsement in Special Education. After college, she began working with the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department—but her passion for music soon took center stage.

What started as side performances in local hotels and restaurants grew into a full-time career. Sue eventually returned briefly to New Jersey, performing in clubs before making a bold move to Nashville in 1988 to pursue songwriting.

During her decade in Nashville, Sue collaborated with some of the industry’s top songwriters and built a multifaceted career behind the scenes as well—providing bookkeeping, fan club management, and personal assistant services. Her client list included notable names such as Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, and Pam Tillis.  You can hear her latest 5-song Extended Play  (Sue Bailey: From The Heart) on most streaming platforms, or can visit her website at https://suebaileymusic.com.

Though she eventually stepped away from Nashville, Sue continued her entrepreneurial journey, co-owning a publication distribution company during a brief time in Memphis.

In 2002, Sue returned to New Jersey to help care for her mother following a stroke—a turning point that led her to discover a new calling. She became a passionate advocate for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, dedicating the next chapter of her life to this important work.

Her impact in the field was significant. Sue became a respected voice in advocacy, speaking at national conferences and helping shape best practices for supporting vulnerable populations. She continued this work until her retirement in 2023.

Today, Sue is embracing a well-earned retirement along the Jersey Shore. With a boat and a love for the water, she spends her summers soaking in the sun from May through September whenever she can.

But as her recent visit reminded her—and all who gathered—some of life’s most meaningful connections are the ones formed years ago.

And sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation to bring them back to life.