Office Space: Tracy Vittone

When Tracy Vittone started at Elgin Community College in 2014, he was no stranger to higher education. He was once a faculty member and coach of the forensics team at Ball State University for six years before looking for a change. He developed a passion for academic advising at the Ivy Tech Community College system in Indiana. Feeling a pull to move closer to home, Vittone landed a position at ECC as an academic advisor.  

“There was a new team of us that all started that summer, while there was a lot to learn, and we were very excited. We had to get our students registered for fall,” Vittone said. 

Now, he serves as the director of transfer, where he continues to interact with students and assist them with steps beyond ECC. Since starting in this position three years ago, Vittone noted the opportunities for transfer that have recently become available, especially in the state of Illinois.  

“I am excited to show students these opportunities,” Vittone said. 

His favorite thing about ECC is the sense of community that can be found all over campus. “The people that work here are like family,” Vittone said. “There is something very organic about it. It is true in student services, but now that I interact with so many other departments and faculty, it is everywhere.” 

What is the theme of your space? My office is supposed to reflect me. I have theatre, I have things about my dog, and I have a photo from the Beyond Borders trip to Italy. It conveys who I am, and I really try to make it feel comfortable.  

What is your favorite thing in here and why? The lamp. It was my grandmother’s from the 1960s. Family is important to me, especially as people come and go. This was one of the things I had requested when she passed. It has been in my offices in Indiana and here. It is my favorite thing. It makes it feel warm and comfortable in here. 

Do you listen to anything while you are working? When I work, I do tend to have music on. I like to listen to musical theatre or pop music. I always thought I would end up on the stage and I go to a lot of shows, as you can see. Any time I can see a musical, I am up for it. 

What office supply are you obsessed with? I would say a good paper clip! I have these rose gold clips, these are my favorite ones right now. Anything that will keep me organized and that is fun and colorful. 

What is something unexpected in here? My Schnauzer print. It is relatively new in here. I needed something to balance this wall. I wanted something to highlight my dog, I am a big animal lover. I was trying to think of opportunities to start a conversation. I have had a lot of conversations about schnauzers or dogs, then they tell me they have a dog, then I show them a photo of my dog. He is a miniature schnauzer named Oliver.  

What would a dream desk accessory be? I am not good at staying put, so I would love a standing desk. I see people use them, and they’re less “stuck,” so I love the idea of being able to stand or think and move. To keep my brainstorming going or the workflow, that would be it.