The Civil Service Council will feature a civil service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus! This month get a chance to learn about and applaud Loretta Vance, contracts manager for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been with the University?
My role in Facilities Planning, Design, & Construction is the Contract Manager. I am in my seventh year with the University.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
We have a great group of people working in FPDC. I’ve learned so much from them. The combination of their skillsets and talent is off the charts. They care deeply about the work they do for the University and the impact it has on students, faculty, and staff. I find being a contributing member to this team has allowed me to meet and interact with a wide range of people in the ISU community. It’s also really cool to see a completed project in use.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
My husband grew up in a racing family and it ended up growing on me. We follow NASCAR closely and try to get to at least one race each year. We enjoy the local dirt tracks as well. I look forward to the warmer months, not only for the gardening time but hanging out in our pool. Any free time I have is usually taken up by a book.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at Illinois State?
In grade school I was best friends with Leslie Weisbecker. Her father was Milt Weisbecker, the ISU athletic director at the time. On Saturdays, he would bring us to Horton while he worked. Leslie and I would play H-O-R-S-E with Doug Collins. I’ve been married for 44 years and have one son who teaches in Darien.
More about Loretta from Assistant Director Georgia Martin.
Loretta joined ISU Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction (FPDC) in 2016. From the beginning, she has played a vital role in supporting not only FPDC but the entire university. Her attention to detail and process are vital to her success as she manages all contractual documents related to planning, design, and construction projects. Among her many strengths are the ability to manage a wide range of constantly changing priorities and recognize opportunities to improve processes to provide greater efficiency. Loretta has also served on multiple internal search committees and leadership teams. She understands how what she does impacts others and is committed to building relationships and helping others be successful. Loretta is committed to the department and to the University and seeks to serve well. She is not afraid of a challenge and is willing to take on whatever needs to be done.
