Office Space: Jocelyn Santana

Jocelyn Santana comes from a family of educators, but found quickly that her calling was in higher education. “My mom was a teacher. A lot of my relatives are educators,” Santana said. “But as I explored teaching opportunities during my student teaching, I realized my passion didn’t lie in the K-12 setting. I loved working with adults and young adults.” 

Santana, Chief Institutional Success and Engagement Officer at Elgin Community College, started her career in higher education 20 years ago. Starting at Waubonsee Community College before moving over to Northern Illinois University, Santana held a variety of positions but is most proud of the impact of the reverse career fair. This initiative helped bridge the gap between students of color and employers.  

After NIU, Santana continued to work in restorative justice, professional development, and equity for Minnesota State Community and Technical Colleges and Valley City State University. Now, in her CISEO role at Elgin Community College, Santana looks forward to the future. “It has been great so far, I am excited to be intentional this coming semester with the building tour,” Santana said about the new meet and greet she plans to hold in different buildings across the Spartan Drive Campus. “I am ready for those meaningful connections and conversations.” 

She will also complete her doctorate in 2026, making her a three-time Huskie. Read more about Santana’s office space below. 

What is the theme of your space? I think my space’s theme is cultural representation. On one side, there are all of these books on inclusion. I have books in English and Spanish, and I love that. On the other side, I have masks. I have been collecting these in my travels, but also the three middle masks are from Honduras, where my mom is from. I kept them for myself, and I have been adding slowly to my collection.  

What is your favorite thing in here and why? The masks! 

Where is your snack stash and what is your go to? It is close! I have Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, and chocolate! Snickers and Pepsi, too. That combination is so good.  

Do you listen to anything while you are working? I tend to jump around a lot. I like Audible books, right now I am listening to “Peril and Promise”. It is about the changing landscape in higher education and how we keep ourselves working on policies and procedures to support our students and meet them where they are, especially in a time when we are finding out the challenges to access in higher education. 

Is there something unexpected in here? My elephants! I have two here and the art. I love elephants. They are beautiful, powerful, intelligent, and gentle creatures. I have a pretty extensive collection of elephants. 

What would your dream desk accessory be? If there were a way to have a walking pad and a standing desk, that is what it would be.