2022 - Jim Stoltman; Family Man and IT Systems Renovation Star

Jim Stoltman recently accepted his new role as Senior Director of Technology Services in October 2021. Having worked at Elgin Community College since 2012 in multiple positions within the IT department, Stoltman’s roots within the college run deep. He wasn’t even Jim when he first began, but ‘the new Bud,’ having gained the nickname after replacing retired employee Bud Miedema.  

A few years ago, Stoltman used his technology skills to completely revamp the ECC campus to be more accessible for a wheel-chair bound employee and others, providing improved access  through an automation design he created. “Working with my supervisor and the ADA officer, we were able to get this project don’t for a fraction of the cost that was presented,” said Jim. “The system is still rock solid today!”

Read on to learn about other outstanding accomplishments Stoltman has brought to ECC, why cheer is his new hobby, and his experience working as a union electrician for 20 years!

In your words, what do you do at ECC? What do you want others to know about your job? Or what would help others understand your job? As of October 4, 2021, I have accepted the Senior Director of Technology Services role. Prior to that, I was the phone tech, A/V architect, and helped with the design/maintenance of the camera systems and a point of reference for our card access system. Now I am leading an excellent Technology services team. We are the help desk and system admins for all office and classroom environments. The amount of service tickets that run through our system daily is immense, so please always issue a help desk ticket for any issues at helpdesk@elgin.edu or call extension 7979. 

What is your greatest accomplishment since you’ve been at ECC? I would say there are a lot of great things accomplished. The one I am most proud of was an automation design for an employee to get from their vehicle to their office unassisted. This included an elevator and multiple doors. Working with my supervisor and the ADA officer, we were able to get this project done for a fraction of the costs that were presented. The system is still rock-solid today! If I can add a second, it would be my current AV upgrade project throughout the campus. Spartan Terrace, the gym, heritage, community, alumni, Seigle, and Seigle Dinning are all in the process of being upgraded with cutting-edge technology that will help ECC be a destination for many things.

If you could instantly be an expert in one thing, what would you choose? Woodworking. My grandfather was amazing at building furniture and anything out of wood. I am getting there but really hope one day to be as good as he was.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (i.e., hobbies/interests)? Up until 14 years ago, it was fishing and sport shooting. Now I enjoy being involved with my kids. My hobbies are cheer and being a professional chaperone.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled? Or where would you like to visit? My kids love road trips. We just went to Colorado and visited the Rocky Mountains, Pike’s Peak, Red Rocks, and Denver. Yet we are looking forward to a trip to Hawaii as soon as everything settles down. That is the biggest wish list place for the family.

You have to wear a t-shirt with just one word on it for an entire year. What would that word be, and why? Consensus. I have learned that everything runs smoother with consensus in my professional and personal life.

Share a fact about you that might surprise people to learn. I am on my local school board as vice president, a police commissioner, and involved in the rotary as a vice president in my local town. I enjoy being involved with my community, which also helps me understand many things my children talk about in their schools. I have found myself enjoying the politics as well.

What job have you held (besides ECC) that was the most fun, interesting, or difficult? Explain why. I was a union electrician for almost 20 years. In that role, I became a foreman. I was in charge of many roll-out-style projects and the lead programmer and fiber tech. I always enjoyed the challenge of morphing what was sold to what could actually be done. Some years I worked over 900 hours of overtime to make deadlines happen, and every customer I treated like family.

What was your most valuable life lesson? Enjoy life and don’t hold anger towards anyone. Life is too short. Both of my parents passed at a young age; I never hold a chip on my shoulder and enjoy every second with my family!

Complete this sentence: “I enjoy working at ECC because … “ ECC allowed me to spend time with my family and grow professionally. Everyone here is very friendly, and the atmosphere is amazing. I am thankful to be a part of this team.