Carl Kasten, the only remaining inaugural member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees and its chairperson since 2003, resigned from the board following its Feb. 15, 2008, meeting. Kasten, a 1966 Illinois State graduate, is a senior partner in the law firm of Phelps, Kasten, Ruyle, Burns and Sims P.C. in his hometown of Carlinville.
“Carl Kasten is among the most cherished members of the Illinois State family, and the entire University community will miss his leadership as a member of the Board of Trustees,” said President Al Bowman. “During his service, Illinois State has enjoyed a dramatic rise in quality and prominence, and Trustee Kasten has played a major role in that success.”
From 1990 until December 1995, Kasten served as a member of the Board of Regents, which governed Illinois State, Northern Illinois University and Sangamon State University (which later became the University of Illinois-Springfield). Kasten was appointed to the Illinois State University Board of Trustees in January 1996 when Illinois’ public universities changed to governance by independent boards. In 2003, the board elected Kasten as its chairperson following the resignation of William Sulaski. Kasten also served as Board Liaison to the Alumni Board and is a founding member of the University’s Attorneys Advisory Council.
“To say that Trustee Kasten loves his alma mater is a massive understatement,” Bowman said. “Despite managing a busy legal practice several hours from Illinois State, Mr. Kasten is a regular fixture on campus. He rarely misses a Commencement, Founders Day, athletic event, recital or play. He is a mentor to our student trustees and to the dozens of students he encounters on our campus.”
In accordance with Board of Trustees bylaws, Secretary Stan Ommen will serve as chair until the group elects officers during its July meeting. Kasten’s seat will remain vacant until the Governor appoints a new member.
“I leave the board with full confidence in the leadership and commitment of each board member and in the leadership of President Bowman,” Kasten said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with our outstanding faculty, staff, student body, legislators and friends of the University. I intend to remain an active and engaged alumnus and to be an advocate for this remarkable institution.”
