2024 - Take Five with…Tremayne Simpson

Tremayne Simpson, EdD, associate dean of sustainability, business, and career technologies, is no stranger to higher education. Having worked in the industry for over 15 years, he decided to bring his skills and experience to Elgin Community College in 2023. In his role, Simpson assists in overseeing 19 different programs and is currently part of the development of the new Manufacturing and Technology Center. “There is a strong sense of community at ECC,” said Simpson. “You can clearly see that employees love to work here, and it is infectious.”

Born on the west side of Chicago, Simpson attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees and recently completed his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at National-Louis University. Even as a kid, Simpson saw himself working at a school. Read more to learn about Simpson and who his first students were in his mock classes!

What was your first job? For my first job, I worked at the Secretary of State (DMV), distributing driver’s licenses and IDs. It was a high school summer job, so I was a 16-year-old trying to put a smile on the faces of angry customers who had waited in a long line for their ID. This is where I honed my “people” skills!

Binge watcher, book club, or both? Binge watcher. I have a wide range of television interests; however, I really enjoy sci-fi and Marvel shows.

Cats, dogs, or house plants? I’m a dog guy! I have two puppies: a Maltipoo (Ginger) and a Shorkie (Gino). Seeing them is the highlight of my day. Oh, and my family too!

What’s on your playlist/podcast list? Podcasts: I am a huge sports fan, so I listen to sports-related podcasts daily. Music: An eclectic playlist, but mostly 90s/2000s Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel music.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher, primarily because I come from a family of educators. As a kid, I spent a lot of time staging mock classes with my action figures.