ForeCAST – Page 2

College of Applied Science and Technology diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion update

CAST Dean Dr. Todd McLoda announced the establishment of a college-level diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion (DEBI) committee in the fall of 2021. Members include faculty and staff representatives from all college schools and departments. The committee’s charge is to monitor existing and future DEBI initiatives and advance an anti-racist culture in CAST. Committee members, appointed by their department chairs or school directors, will serve a two-year term. The new committee has several goals including fostering a community of practice dedicated to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion; and assisting the dean in promoting and implementing the college’s diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion goals.

Belonging: Understanding the physical education teacher education pipeline

As a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR), Dr. Emily Jones is finding new ways to get to know the student body through her research. She focuses on the concept of belonging when it comes to recruitment and retention of students in the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) major.

Alumni profile: David Tsurusaki

David Tsurusaki ’82 did not become a Redbird accidentally and, in fact, he set foot on campus well before most potential students. His sister, Patricia Tsurusaki ’71, played an integral role in making sure her brother spent time on campus during the annual Siblings Weekend when he was just nine years old.

Difference makers: CAST alums who found niche at ISU are leaving their mark on the world

graphic of Illinois State University seal and globe

The College of Applied Sciences and Technology (CAST) sends its graduates out to the world prepared to hit the ground running and leave their mark.

Meet Tamekia Bailey, new director of CAST Connections

Tamekia Bailey serves as director for CAST Connections, the College’s new student-level success center.

“The best experiences that this world has to offer”: A Kinesiology and Recreation alum shares his passion for national parks

Choosing Recreation and Park Administration (RPA) as a major was easy for Alex Harrison ’20. “I knew I wanted to be in a field that catered to giving people of all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds the best experiences that this world has to offer.”

Advancing research and innovation

A person instructing another person on a computer.

The newly established Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education is a glowing addition to the University and School of Information Technology. The initiative was launched in early August 2021 under the direction of Dr. Shaoen Wu, who was named State Farm Endowed Chair of Cybersecurity in 2020. The prestigious chair was established by State Farm Insurance Companies as part of a $3 million investment committed in 2016.

Clint Smith selected as recipient of 2022 Herb Sanders Award for Outstanding Academic Advisement

Man posing for photo wearing a black polo shirt.

Clint Smith has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Herb Sanders Award for Outstanding Academic Advisement.

A helping hand: Persistence Fund empowers students to continue their journeys

Several first-generation college students at Illinois State were traversing down uncharted paths when unexpected roadblocks hit. These Redbirds didn’t let unforeseen circumstances derail their ambitions. Among them are three students who remained on track with a helping hand from the College of Applied Science and Technology.