About
CAST Vision
CAST: Inspiring innovation, opportunity, and the discovery of knowledge through exceptional academic programs and experiential learning.
CAST Mission
Through applied learning, we prepare and empower students who will make lasting, positive contributions to their profession and the world. We leverage and celebrate the breadth of programs within the College of Applied Science and Technology that build upon a strong general education foundation.
Dean
Dr. Todd McLoda
103E Turner Hall
(309) 438-7602
Email: tamclod@IllinoisState.edu
Dr. McLoda’s career spans more than 31 years and includes work as a licensed athletic trainer in clinic, hospital, high school, and collegiate settings. After earning his Ph.D., Dr. McLoda joined the faculty at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina where he led the athletic training program and the process for successful national accreditation of that program. In 2000, Dr. McLoda joined the faculty at Illinois State to lead the athletic training program and to seek national accreditation of the program which was accomplished one year later. Dr. McLoda continued as the program director of athletic training for 9 years at Illinois State. Along the way, he also served as assistant director for the School of Kinesiology and Recreation for 3 years. In 2009, he was selected as an associate dean in the College of Applied Science and Technology. Dr. McLoda’s areas of oversight increased during his years serving as an associate dean and he was named Senior Associate Dean in 2015.
Dr. McLoda was named the CAST Dean in January 2017. As Dean, he works with other members of the Dean's staff and CAST Chairs and Directors to provide leadership to the College's six departments and two schools serving over 4,500 students. As chief academic officer of the college, the Dean is responsible for the academic, personnel, financial, and administrative affairs of the college. The Dean is also responsible for communicating the vision and goals of the College to community and professional constituencies and seeking public and private funds to support the goals of the college.
Associate Dean
Dr. Cara Rabe-Hemp
103F Turner Hall
(309) 438-2739
Email: cerabe@IllinoisState.edu
Provides fiscal management for College and oversees facility renovations and enhancement, student enrollment, and faculty searches. Directs curriculum development and implementation and serves as liaison to the University Curriculum Committee, Council for Teacher Education, and Graduate Curriculum Committee. Facilitates external accreditations, program reviews, and international programs of study for College undergraduate and graduate majors. Provides research support for CAST faculty and students and assists in securing federal, state, local, and private grants. Oversees College Mentor Program and develops strategies to recruit and retain faculty. Coordinates graduate assistantship funds and serves as liaison with Research and Sponsored Programs and the Graduate School.
Assistant Dean for Marketing, Communications, and Constituent Relations
Ms. Kara Pool Snyder
103G Turner Hall
(309) 438-3986
Email: kepool@IllinoisState.edu
The Assistant Dean for Marketing, Communications, and Constituent Relations is charged with overseeing and coordinating the marketing and communications for the College of Applied Science and Technology, including managing a marketing budget. In addition, she is tasked with developing creative and innovative efforts and ideas to promote the College and address enrollment management priorities.
Snyder assists with development efforts for the College, particularly in the area of gifts below the threshold of the major gift level. She coordinates key College events, including Science and Technology Week, Homecoming, Hall of Fame, Academy of Achievement, and Commencement.
Snyder also coordinates Information Technology staff, a graduate assistant, and interns assigned to the College.
Director of CAST Connections
Ms. Tamekia Bailey
103C Turner Hall
(309) 438-7609
Email: tybaile@IllinoisState.edu
The Director of CAST Connections is responsible for developing student success initiatives for the College of Applied Science and Technology. Leverages data to inform decisions, researches evidence-based practices, and emerging student trends in student transitions, retention, and engagement. In addition, develops, evaluates, and facilitates cross-functional student programs and services that focus on equity, a sense of belonging, wellness, and personal development to ensure students can receive customized individualized attention and feel comfortable to be their authentic selves.
Business Administrative Assistant
Ms. Cindy Greskiwcz
103B Turner Hall
(309) 438-7603
Email: cagresk@IllinoisState.edu
Assists the Dean as needed, day-to-day maintenance of CAST budget, liaison between CAST and other University units, resource for CAST departments and schools' lead staff.
Director, Information Technology
Ms. Chandra Smith
204A Turner Hall
(309) 438-2104
Email: cmtayl14@IllinoisState.edu
Provides leadership, expertise, and management for the College of Applied Science and Technology in the areas of instructional and computing technology and supports the technology-related efforts of College faculty, staff, and students for teaching, research, and service.