Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Zach Schroeder, assistant athletic director overseeing marketing.
As assistant athletic director in charge of marketing, what do you do?
I direct the overall marketing initiatives for Redbird Athletics and its 19 teams including marketing and promotional plans, advertising, game production, entertainment, and fan experience. These marketing plans include cross campus collaboration with many different academic and student affairs units.
How long have you been an employee at Illinois State?
I started as a graduate assistant in Athletics in 2012 and have been full-time in three different roles since 2014.
What do you love the most about working at Illinois State?
The collaboration and support. In my roles, I’ve been able to work with so many groups on campus including the Dean of Students, University Program Board, Housing, Admissions…Colleges of Education, Nursing, Business, Fine Arts…Schools of Communication, Kinesiology & Recreation, and more…as well as countless student organizations. Each unit has found a way to accomplish mutually beneficial goals and support students and student-athletes.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people?
I’ve run two marathons.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
Spending time with my wife, Dani, M.S. ’14, and our seven-month-old son, Eli.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Courtside at Redbird Arena!
If you could have a meal with one famous person (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
Arnold Palmer. I am a huge golf fan and also admired the business and brand he built over the years.
