The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at Illinois State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This series, CAST 50×50, is designed to highlight 50 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and organizations within CAST that make the college special. These notable people will tell you that every day in CAST is a great day to be a Redbird!
#CAST50 is so excited to round out the fall semester with Interim Dean Jan Murphy.
What is your favorite thing about Illinois State University?
My favorite thing about Illinois State would be the people I’ve worked with over these 30+ years. I have had wonderful colleagues who have become my family and friends and made Bloomington-Normal a home for me and for my children. This University attracts people who care about each other and about our students and that makes it fun to come to work!
What was your favorite thing about being dean of CAST?
This is such a great college. Our students are respectful and fun to have in the classroom. Our faculty and staff are here because they love our students and they work hard to ensure that our programs are excellent. We have lots of really fun majors and even have a farm, a horticulture center, a circus and a child care center. There is always something exciting going on in CAST.
When you are not busy with dean duties, what do you do in your free time?
I run several mornings a week and on Saturdays, and travel with a running group to two or three races a year. My twins are now graduate students, so my husband and I like to go visit them (when they let us). I also like to read and I have been known to do a Netflix binge now and then! I love collegiate sports, especially football, so on Saturdays in the fall I am all about football!
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Pizza!! I could eat pizza every day!
Look in your desk right now…what is the most unusual item you have?
A clown nose.
Starbucks or Einstein’s? And what is your order?
Starbucks. Tall earl grey with room for cream.
What is your favorite sport? Favorite sports team? Are you more of a college sports fan or a professional sports fan?
I love all sports, but I am especially addicted to baseball and football. Favorite teams would be the Cubs and the Redbirds, but I still cheer for my Huskers now and then.
What would you say to a #FutureRedbird considering a major within CAST?
Please come visit us! You will find caring faculty, wonderful facilities, small classes, lots of experiential learning, and wonderful advisors!
Think you know someone who should be featured? Contact us!
