2024 Inductees
As Redbirds and former student leaders, our inductees share some common experiences, a passion for making a difference, and a commitment to excellence. They exemplify the values of the Division of Student Affairs and Illinois State University, not only in their professional careers and community involvement, but while they were Illinois State students. During their return to the Illinois State campus, each inductee is paired with a student host, which provides an opportunity to connect with current students and learn more about today's Redbird experience.
Carl E. Kasten
Carl E. Kasten’s devotion to Illinois State University over six decades is extraordinary. As an undergraduate, he served as Student Senate president and participated in the historic name debate that marked a transformative period for Illinois State. In 1969, in earning his law degree from the Northwestern University School of Law, he was awarded its Wigmore Key and led his law school class into graduation ceremonies. Kasten practiced law for 45 years in Carlinville, where he and Donna, his wife of 58 years, reside.
In 1971 Kasten joined the Illinois State Alumni Association Board. His dedication led Gov. James Thompson to appoint him to the Board of Regents in 1990 and to his selection to the University’s inaugural Board of Trustees by Gov. Jim Edgar in 1996. Serving as board secretary and later as chairperson from 2003 to 2008, Kasten played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s trajectory.
Beyond his role in governance, Kasten helped form the Attorneys Advisory Board, a group of alumni lawyers supporting pre-law programs at Illinois State. He has received honors including the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 2006, the University’s Distinguished Service Award in 2004, and the Maitland Education Award in 2007. In recognition of his service, the Carl E. Kasten Alumni Association Board Room was established in the Alumni Center in 2008.
In 2021, he collaborated with historian Tom Emery to publish Abraham Lincoln and the Heritage of Illinois State University, which chronicles Lincoln’s efforts for, and connections with, the University and its support of him.
Sharron Evans
Sharron Evans graduated from Illinois State with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice sciences and a psychology minor in 1993 and an M.S.Ed. in counselor education in 1997. She also received a juris doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2014. Her professional journey has included Illinois State, Columbia-NYC, Northeastern Illinois, and Roosevelt.
Currently, Evans serves as associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students at Iowa State University, overseeing 14 departments and three programs.
Evans has practiced law and served as a consultant in the realms of compliance and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her passion for higher education, inclusion, and law has informed her 30-year career path where she has served as an advocate for underserved students and communities with a focus on ensuring the next generation of leaders excel and affect positive change on a global scale.
A most recent accomplishment that reflects her commitment to marginalized communities and serving the underserved is the selection of her Strategic Plan Project proposal in summer 2023 by Iowa State University’s president and senior leaders. Her proposal was one of 19 selected out of a total of 74 proposals submitted. Under Evans’ leadership, the new Center for Student Educational Success has begun to serve over 6,000 first-generation and low-income eligible students and their families. In addition to the receiving $430,000 in funds from the president, Evans also secured over $2 million for construction of the center’s physical space slated to be completed this summer.
Sheamus Mannion
Sheamus Mannion ’99 embarked on a career with the Chicago Police Department, showcasing both his innate and acquired skills. He climbed the ranks within the department, currently serving as captain/executive officer in the downtown area where he is a constant fixture at major events and notable incidents.
During his time at Illinois State, he demonstrated significant involvement in campus life. Involved in many activities and organizations from being a resident assistant to playing an active role in Greek Life as member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Additionally, Mannion held leadership roles in the Student Government Association, first serving as an on-campus legislator, then having the opportunity to serve as the student body vice president, and finally as the student trustee for the Board of Trustees. His engagement extended to the Dean of Students Office, where he participated in leadership and service activities.
Mannion described his involvement with the Student Government Association, leadership workshops, and the impactful LeaderShape Institute as equipping him with instrumental skills that are still being utilized. Mannion is amazed at how extensively he draws upon his experiences at Illinois State, acknowledging the University’s Division of Student Affairs for positioning him ahead of the curve and laying the groundwork for his success in his roles over the years at the Chicago Police Department.
In 1999, Mannion graduated from Illinois State with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice sciences. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in education focusing on college student personnel administration.
Fellicia Foster
Fellicia C. Foster ‘08 is the head of Strategic Initiatives and Business Management–People, Culture & Brand at BMO Bank. Throughout her 15-year tenure at BMO, she has held diverse roles that showcased her ability to drive business transformation. Most recently, she played a leadership role in the integration of Bank of the West, BMO’s largest-ever acquisition. Prior to her current role, Foster was head of U.S. Talent, Inclusion and Change, where she led the talent agenda for BMO’s U.S footprint.
Foster has garnered multiple recognitions for her achievements. Her many honors include her ranking as one of the 2023 “Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion” by Savoy Magazine, a “Top 40 under 40” by Secured Finance Network in 2022, the College of Business Early Career Achievement Award in 2016, and the Illinois State Division of Student Affairs Redbird Proud Young Alumni Award in 2015.
Foster is actively involved in philanthropy. She currently serves as vice-chair of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Board of Directors and is a member of the Advisory Board for After School Matters and the Board of Trustees of Brightpoint. In 2023, she established an endowment fund to support the “Fellicia C. Foster Legacy of Leadership” scholarship at Illinois State.
Foster earned her business administration degree at Illinois State in 2008, where she served as president of the Black Student Union, resident assistant at Watterson Towers, and actively participated in the Student Government Association and University Program Board.