Interim Dean Jeff Wood Chosen as CAST Dean

Jeff Wood, interim dean in the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State University since September 2006, has been chosen to serve as continuing dean of the college.  Wood, a native of Collinsville, Ill., has been on the Agriculture faculty since 1985 and was associate dean for nearly four years before being named to the interim position.

 Wood, who replaced Bob Rossman upon his retirement, has his doctoral and master's degrees from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and bachelor's degree with honors from Southern Illinois University.  

"Dr. Wood has done an outstanding job as interim dean and has the full support of the College of Applied Science and Technology as well as the entire university community," said Vice President and Provost Sheri Noren Everts.

In his 23 years at Illinois State, Wood has been the recipient of the college's and ISU's Outstanding Teaching awards, a National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges' Excellence in College and University Teaching in the Food and Agriculture Sciences awards.  Wood served a term on the Governor's Committee on Agricultural Education and is a past recipient of the USDA Award for Excellence in University Teaching in the Food and Agricultural Sciences for the North Central Region.

In addition, last month he received the Honorary American Degree of the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Organization.  The award is the FFA's highest honorary degree and was presented to Wood based on his record of exceptional service to agriculture and agriculture education.