Office Space: Juan Fernandez

Juan Fernandez, director of construction projects at Elgin Community College, is pursuing his EdD in community college leadership and sees firsthand the important role community colleges play. “The role of community college is to reflect the community. Fortunately, ECC has a history of people who have paid attention to the community’s needs,” Fernandez said. 

As a community college graduate himself, Fernandez understands how a college's setting can set the tone of its environment. “You have Grand Rapids Community College, in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, NIU is in the country. ECC is the perfect mix. It really reminds me of what college can be,” Fernandez said.  

Throughout his career at ECC, Fernandez has held several positions, each unique in their own way or circumstance. “What I love about ECC is that if you put in the work and become a valuable asset, there will always be room for you.” 

Read more about this connoisseur of construction below!  

 
What is your favorite thing in here and why? My automated drafting table so I can look at plans. I 3D-printed some holders and bought the switch, but I made the rest. It was fun to do, wasn’t that expensive to make, and serves many purposes. My boss is a foot taller than I am, and our administrative assistant is a foot shorter, so it works for all of us. 

Do you listen to anything while you are working? I listen to a lot of my school readings, so Snoop Dogg reads me a lot. There may be some YouTube woodworking videos in the background.  

What office supply are you obsessed with? Probably my printer, I love mine. I print a lot of things, like plans. Also, I got this computer mount to see if it would work in an office, it has these articulating arms, it clears up a lot of space.  

What is something unexpected in here? Probably the phone from my mom’s office. She was a very early work from home person in the 90s, and this phone would go right to her boss. It looks like the Bat Phone, so I kept it. It has a “Yes, Commissioner Gordon” note I put on it as a kid.  

What is your dream desk accessory? I create whatever I need! I can make something if i want it.