CAST Academy of Achievement Recipients

Jacqueline Holland

Agriculture

Jacqueline Holland strives to be a bridge between complex economic and financial concepts and on-farm decision makers, leveraging her work, education, and leadership experience to share market insights in a relatable fashion for farmers.

Holland grew up on a family dairy farm in Apple River, Illinois. She graduated summa cum laude from Illinois State University in 2011, with bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness and finance, with honors in Agriculture. Holland nurtured many of her technical and leadership skills during her time in the Department of Agriculture, including as a past president of the National Agri-Marketing Association. A 2010/11 Robert G. Bone Scholarship recipient, she developed her passion for helping farmers become more profitable through her involvement in many activities and organizations on campus as well as building diverse relationships during her time at ISU.

She earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 2014, where her graduate research focused on large farm decision-making and precision crop technology. Holland spent the first half of her career working in food manufacturing, serving in operational finance roles at Pilgrim's Pride and Leprino Foods Company. She served as a grain market analyst for Farm Futures, a national farm media publication, for five years before starting her current role as an economist for the American Soybean Association in 2024.

Holland lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Stella. She is a volunteer coach and community ambassador for Girls on the Run of the Rockies. She enjoys competing in triathlons, hiking, cooking, DIY lawn care, and getting back to the family dairy farm in Illinois as time allows.

Clayton Cottle

Criminal Justice Sciences

Clayton Cottle holds two degrees from Illinois State University: a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences (2015) and a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences (2017). Cottle secured his MBA from Sam Houston State University in 2022. He is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in strategic operations, research administration, and organizational leadership.

In his current role as the Assistant Vice President of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), Cottle plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction of the university’s research and economic development efforts. Since he joined SHSU, the university has experienced over 300% increase in external research funding.

Cottle’s mission is to help change the world. He believes that one can find connections to his passions through the products of his labor. Cottle strives to be a generalist, prioritizing a breadth of knowledge and skills. He focuses on building agile, interdisciplinary teams that move quickly, deliver results, and are passionate about their work. Cottle values creating a culture where individuals are not afraid to fail, as he believes this fosters an environment where big wins can emerge.

Cottle has founded two startups, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to bring innovative ideas to life. The first was a fitness equipment startup, where he worked to develop a product and bring it to market. His second venture is an apparel company, co-founded with childhood friends, where proceeds are used to further the mission of motivating the doubted to take a chance on their dreams.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Cottle is passionate about family, fitness, and learning new skills. He met his wife while in graduate school at Illinois State University. He currently resides in Noblesville, Indiana with his wife and son.

Lexie Schuring

Family and Consumer Sciences

Lexie (Greeneberg) Schuring graduated cum laude from Illinois State University in 2018 with a degree in Human Development and Family Science, and a minor in Children Studies. As a student, Schuring participated in The Big Red Marching Machine (BRMM), where she was co-section leader of the flute section for two consecutive years. She served as an FCS Student Ambassador, a teaching assistant, and participated in a research project. Schuring also worked for ISU’s Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) all four years.

After graduation, Schuring began her career with a non-profit organization called Community Brain Injury Services (CBIS), serving adult survivors of both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries (stroke, TBI, concussion, MVA, aneurysm, anoxic brain injury, and much more). Upon hire, she worked at a clubhouse-style day program called The Denbigh House. In February 2020, Schuring was promoted to be the sole Case Manager on the Hampton Roads Peninsula for CBIS, serving five counties. In this role, she worked to connect clients to community resources that can help them gain and maintain independence for as long as possible. Throughout her time as Case Manager, Schuring developed strong, impactful community connections and partnerships that not only served her clients, but allowed her and the agency to have well established relationships with important providers and resources. Schuring is known for being a true advocate for her clients and peers.  

As of February 2025, Schuring concluded her time with CBIS as she and her husband, Ty, celebrate Ty’s departure out of the Navy by moving back to their hometown of Bloomington, IL. On the weekends, you can catch her boating, snow skiing, travelling, spending time with friends and family, or relaxing at home on the couch with her goldendoodle, Carolina.

Anna Weisbruch

Health Sciences

Anna Weisbruch graduated Illinois State University with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science in 2018.

Since graduation, Weisbruch has established a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program at Spoon River College in 2020, serving as Program Director until August 2024. She developed the coursework and curriculum, enabling non-traditional students and rural community members to acquire new skills while balancing work and family responsibilities. The program attained maximum NAACLS accreditation and collaborated with community hospitals to provide clinical experience.

Weisbruch led the Special Pathogen Task Force to establish the first RT-PCR platform for COVID-19 testing, facilitating 16 OSF affiliate locations. She also spearheaded a saliva-based COVID-19 testing research project, leading to the development and implementation of a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria and other OSF locations.

As Program Director for the OSF Clinical Laboratory Science School and Histotechnology School, she spearheaded the expansion of the CLS program beyond Saint Francis Medical Center, transitioning the curriculum to a fully online format. She eliminated tuition for the +1 CLS program and facilitated statewide student engagement. She presented at the PointCore Conference in 2022 on “Using Digital Platforms to Bridge Technical Staffing Shortages in the Clinical Lab.”

At Decatur Memorial Hospital, Weisbruch developed a pathway for non-credentialed technologists to achieve ASCP Certification, training several technologists in the first year. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at several colleges and is collaborating with local colleges to establish additional medical technology programs.

Currently, Weisbruch is completing her doctorate degree in healthcare administration, with graduation anticipated in August 2025. She has held various leadership positions, including Director of Laboratory Services at Memorial Health, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing laboratory science education and management.

Victor Montgomery

Information Technology

Victor Montgomery, currently serving as IT Director of Data Services at GAINSCO Insurance (subsidiary of State Farm Insurance Companies), is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in technology, internal audit, and business strategy. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Montgomery’s journey from a single-parent household to a first-generation college graduate is a testament to his resilience and determination. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Illinois State University.

Throughout his career at State Farm, Montgomery has excelled in diverse roles, including Audit Director, Technology Manager, Software Developer, and Business Analyst. His achievements span leading data visualization migrations, managing enterprise-level database infrastructures, and implementing impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a visionary leader, Montgomery is committed to leveraging technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusion.

Montgomery is equally passionate about giving back to the community. He actively mentors through organizations such as BDPA, ITSMF, and local youth programs. His dedication to fostering the next generation of STEM professionals is matched by his belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. Montgomery’s leadership is driven by transparency, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to inspiring others to achieve their potential.

A lifelong learner, Montgomery is pursuing board certification through the National Association of Corporate Directors, aiming to influence diversity in corporate governance. Beyond work, he enjoys family time, coaching basketball, and exploring leadership and sci-fi literature.

Dr. Nichelle Enata

Kinesiology and Recreation

Nichelle Enata, MD, MS, is a highly accomplished orthopaedic surgery resident with a distinguished academic and professional trajectory.

While at Illinois State, she was a member of the softball team and received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (Summa Cum Laude). Following her time in Normal, she completed a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Lindenwood University while working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer.  She then earned her Doctor of Medicine with high honors from Meharry Medical College in 2020 and is on track to complete her orthopaedic surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis in June 2025. Enata is set to further specialize with an Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic starting in August 2025.

Throughout her education and training, Enata has actively participated in research, publishing numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics including shoulder and elbow injuries in softball athletes, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and diversity in orthopaedics.

Beyond her clinical and research pursuits, Enata has held various leadership positions within medical organizations. Her involvement highlights her dedication to mentorship, diversity, and community service.  She's actively contributed to several professional societies and organizations, including the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society and Nth Dimensions. Enata has also continued with her commitment to community service, developing an annual orthopaedic exposure program for underrepresented minority high school students in the St. Louis community.

Her dedication to patient care, research, and community service makes her a promising leader in the field of orthopedic sports medicine.

Ryan Wolber

Technology

Ryan Wolber graduated from ISU in December 2012 with dual bachelor degrees in Renewable Energy and Economics. While attending ISU, he was the President of the Association of Residence Halls (ARH), Sustainability Coordinator of ARH, and Chair for the Student Elections Committee.

Nobody gets to where they are without a little help. During his time at ISU, Wolber was mentored, and learned from several ISU staff and professors who helped guide his career; these include Enid Cardinal, John Davenport, Johanna Haas, Jin Jo, David Loomis, Kim Morton, Mboka Mwilambwe, and Missy Nergard.

After graduating from ISU, Wolber focused his career towards sustainability and energy efficiency, working for the Illinois Green Business Association, Elevate Energy, and Energy Systems Group.

In 2019, Wolber completed his MBA from the Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management. Upon completing his MBA, he joined EDF Renewables, one of the largest renewable energy companies in the world. After completing the EDF Renewables graduate Rotational Program, Wolber has since been promoted to Senior Manager at EDF. His portfolio of work to-date includes over 1GW of wind, solar, and battery storage projects.

In 2021, Wolber connected with fellow ISU alumni Oliver Ellen and formed the ISU Renewable Energy Alumni and Friends Group. The goal of the Group is to connect ISU alumni with current ISU students and to support the ISU renewable energy program.