Get to Know Deanna Lette, Assistant to the VP of Finance and College Operations

Welcome to our “Get to Know Blackhawk” series, which uses a Q&A format to showcase the diverse and talented individuals within the college community.

What is your name and where did you grow up?

Deanna Lette. I grew up in Beloit but have lived most of my life in Janesville.

What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College?

Assistant to the VP of Finance and College Operations.

What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?

When COVID hit and my job seemed to be in jeopardy, I enrolled in the Administrative Professional program at Blackhawk, starting in the fall of 2020. I had served in an admin assistant role for much of my career up to that point, so it seemed like a great fit for my future.

Is there something that drew you to this career?

I have always enjoyed being a member of a team. A supporting role is rewarding to me. I like taking on tasks to make someone else’s workload a little lighter.

What motivated you to apply for this position at Blackhawk?

I enjoyed my time at Blackhawk as a student, so when this position opened up that aligned with my schooling and ultimate career goals, it seemed like a perfect fit.

What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?

Flexibility and an increase in online classes. Many of the classes I’ve taken have been hybrid, giving the student options that fit anyone’s life. If I hadn’t been able to complete my classes online or in the evenings, I wouldn’t have been able to attend.

What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?

I’ve been happily married for almost 13 years. We have four grown children between us. In our spare time, we work on our 160-year-old home or go on a walk or a hike. We just enjoy spending time together.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.

I’ve attended 22 concerts in the last year.

If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?

Fall would be my favorite. I love all things fall except for pumpkin spice. Unless it’s in a pumpkin pie, I’ll pass!

Who is your biggest influence?

My grandma. She shaped how I raised my children and taught me how important it is to tell people how much they mean to you while they’re still here.

If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

Adam Sandler

What was your first job?

My first job was bussing tables at a local restaurant in Beloit.

What's one song that must always be on your playlist?

“Grey Street” by Dave Matthews Band

If you could hang out with any movie character, who would you choose and why?

Ferris Bueller. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid and you know that would be a fun hang.

Who is your favorite Muppet?

The Swedish Chef

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would you pick?

Pizza. You can make just about anything into a pizza.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Mint chocolate chip

If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?

Being invisible. To be a fly on the wall could have come in handy in so many situations.

What/who is your favorite book or author?

I don’t have a specific author or book, but I like books with a little bit of mystery or suspense.

If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

Elephant. They’ve always been my favorite animal. They are typically chill and laid back but could also do some damage!

What is your dream vacation destination?

We went to Key West last year, and I absolutely loved the island vibes and history there. Although I’ve already been, my dream would be to go back.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To travel to Ireland and drink a Guinness from the source.

If aliens landed on Earth, who would you recommend they talk to?

Harrison Ford. One of the greatest of all time. Indiana Jones will tell them what's what.