Roy Flores: “The Technology President”

As ECC's first Latino president, Dr. Flores set a groundbreaking path.

In his opening address, Dr. Flores emphasized the College’s long-standing excellence while articulating a bold vision for the future. “ECC boasts a rich tradition of excellence, widely acknowledged for its exceptional academic programs and community service,” he stated. “Our duty is to educate a diverse student body, employing new technologies like distance learning and other innovations to enhance and broaden our instructional methods.” His message set the tone for an era focused on expanding access, strengthening student success, and preparing the institution for rapid technological change.

Dr. Flores guided the college through a comprehensive planning and priority-setting initiative to establish a technology infrastructure, linking each building through fiber-optic cable.

Ensuring the upgrade of all computers, he granted Internet access to every staff and faculty member.

Proactively, Flores assembled a team of faculty, staff, and administrators to attend a major conference in higher education technology. They aimed to glean insights and collectively explore the direction Elgin Community College could pursue.

Under Dr. Flores’s forward-looking leadership, ECC became one of the first community colleges in Illinois to offer online classes. His commitment to innovation also laid the foundation for several signature programs that continue to influence ECC’s trajectory—among them Internet-based coursework, dual enrollment programs, and the Youth Leadership Academy. These initiatives have expanded learning opportunities, strengthened community partnerships, and transformed the educational landscape for thousands of students.

Today, the impact of Internet-based classes, dual enrollment programs, and the Youth Leadership Academy continues to shape the trajectory of ECC.