ECC Faculty in Action
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Elgin Community College is a place to earn your degree and grow as an individual. Its world-class faculty are dedicated to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. ECC’s academics are experienced professionals who connect theory with practical, real-world application beyond just teaching concepts. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today's workforce.
Its world-class faculty and dedicated group of professionals are central to ECC's success. They help students improve job-related skills using their extensive real-world experience and expertise. Its world-class faculty and dedicated group of professionals are central to ECC's success. They help students improve job-related skills using their extensive real-world experience and knowledge.
Students graduate with the skills and confidence they need to advance, whether starting a career or moving on to a university, with the strong educational foundation they received at ECC.
What makes ECC special?
- Many students emphasize the mentorship, teaching, and emotional support from teachers during their educational journey.
- A rich educational experience from faculty who are at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.
- Constantly generating ideas, the campus is always filled with new opportunities such as the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), clubs, field trips, and study abroad programs led by faculty through the Center for Global Engagement.
Did you know?
The annual Orin G. Thompson Award recognizes educators exemplifying ECC's values: excellence, freedom of inquiry, equity, ethical practices, accountability, respect for diversity, and community engagement.
ECC in the News
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International exchange program fosters new friendships and opportunities for ECC faculty
The opportunity to study abroad doesn’t end as a student. Beth Hultman, public services librarian, and Travis Linville, professor of photography, recently hosted international guests from the Netherlands in their homes and on Elgin Community College’s campus through ECC’s Center for Global Engagement and the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP).
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From Student to Staff: Umberto Tinajero
Beginning as an English as a Second Language student, Tinajero progressed through ECC’s manufacturing programs, earned his associate degree, and later completed a bachelor’s degree and continued graduate studies. After a decade as an adjunct instructor, he became a full-time faculty member and was recognized with the 2024 Orrin G. Thompson Award for outstanding contributions to student learning and success.
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Office Space: Kim Plate
Kim Plate, director of the Dental Assisting program, remembers riding her bike to register for her first class at ECC. “It has been so fun to watch the campus grow from when I was a student to now. The buildings, the campus. It is amazing to see how far we have come.”
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Inside the Classroom: Professor David Zacker Brings Global Perspectives to ECC Students
David Zacker, PhD, professor of humanities at Elgin Community College (ECC), brings a global outlook and a deep commitment to personal growth into his classroom. Whether he’s teaching about the Renaissance, discussing Aristotle’s view on ethics, or leading students on a trip to Italy, Zacker emphasizes how the power of ideas can transform lives and open possibilities.
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Take Five with…Sarah Bass
Sarah Bass, English adjunct faculty member, is a natural teacher and leader. Bass, who grew up in West Chicago, was the oldest of seven siblings. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, double majoring in English Literature and Black Studies.
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Take Five with…Patrick Carberry
Patrick Carberry, assistant professor of English, joined Elgin Community College just last year, commuting over from Evanston, Ill., where he’s lived for about ten years. Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, Carberry attended Illinois State University on a speech and debate scholarship.
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Office Space: Chrystie Wojcik
Chrystie Wojcik, professor of culinary arts and hospitality, has been at Elgin Community College since 2010. She first came to ECC’s campus years before as a student!
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Take Five with…Jeff Hunt
Jeff Hunt, a music adjunct faculty member, began teaching at ECC nearly 20 years ago. What’s kept him here all these years? The students.