Biography
Dr. W. Tad Foster is currently in his tenth year as Dean of the College of Technology (COT) at Indiana State University. In this position, he provides leadership and has administrative responsibility over five departments that offer A.S. through Ph.D. degrees; two buildings with approximately 30 laboratories; approximately 40 faculty and 25 professional and support staff. In addition, he oversees the Technology Services Center, and an Air Force ROTC Detachment.
Before this, he was Associate Professor and Chair of Technology Education at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). In addition to his duties as Chair, Dr. Foster taught classes on Materials and Processes, Production Systems, Technological Enterprises, Organizational Change, and Technical Training. Prior to working at CCSU, Dr. Foster was Assistant Professor of Organizational Leadership and Supervision at Purdue University. There he was responsible for teaching Human Relations, Human Resource Development and Management.
Dr. Foster is the author of two booklets and over 40 professional articles. He regularly speaks at professional conferences. In addition, he serves as a reviewer for the Journal for Manufacturing Sciences, Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, The Technology Teacher and the Journal for Technology Education.
For the past fifteen years, Dr. Foster has actively consulted with business and industry. Clients have included Shenango Industries (Coaching Skills for Supervisors), Locknetics Security Engineering (needs analysis and quality), IPC Information Systems (supervision & project management), EIS Brake Parts (needs analysis, team building), and Imperial Spring (training materials), Caterpillar's Large Engine Center, Illinois Power, Fourslide, FFR Research, University of Illinois and others. He provides consultation in all aspects of human resource development, as well as total quality management, statistical process control, supervisory skills, and project management, and strategic planning.
Dr. Foster has a doctorate in Technology Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois-Champaign. His work history includes carpenter, painter, missile systems technician, welder, teacher, vocational director, community college instructor, and university professor. In addition, he has expertise in machining (including basic CNC and CAD/CAM), woodworking, and desktop publishing. He is also a Commercial pilot.