Dean Office: College of Business & Technology

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Office of the Dean, College of Business and Technology

The Dean’s Office organizes communication among the eight academic departments and oversees the day to day operations of Stipes Hall. The college dean serves as Chief Operating Officer. Click to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Tom Erekson, Dean

The College of Business and Technology welcomed Tom Erekson as Dean in June 2006. Prior to his appointment at WIU, he served as director of the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology at Brigham Young University where he was professor of the School of Technology since 1998. In addition, he previously served as dean of the College of Technology at Bowling Green State University for seven years. Erekson has also served as professor and chair at the University of Maryland, College Park; as associate professor and program chair at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; as an associate professor and department head at University of Wyoming; and as an assistant professor at Northern Illinois University.

Erekson received his Ed.D. and his master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University.

When he’s not sharing his talents with the WIU CBT, you might find Tom enjoying some time with his favorite diversion - motorcycle racing.

Larry Wall, Associate Dean

Larry arrived on the WIU campus in 1981 and has since served as associate dean of the College of Business and Technology for more than twenty-two years.

Larry earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University and his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Before coming to WIU, he worked at New Mexico State University and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. His areas of academic expertise and interest include organizational theory, organizational strategy, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship/small business, and international business. He’s also currently a professor of Management at WIU.

While at WIU, he has been co-director of federal and state grants totaling more than $2 million primarily focused on international business topics. He’s also authored and co-authored more than 45 articles and professional papers in the discipline of management making academic presentations in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, China, and the former Yugoslavia.

When he’s not hanging around WIU, you’ll likely find him traveling with his wife Linda or walking his dogs, Shadow and Patches. You also might catch him playing racquetball at the local Y.

Schuyler Meixner, Assistant to the Dean

Schuyler joined the Dean’s office in April 2005. As assistant to the Dean, she serves as the chief marketing officer for the college. Her primary role is the development, coordination, and strategic implementation of top-level College marketing initiatives. In addition to the traditional “other duties as assigned,” she coordinates communication with the CBT Advisory Board, works with college events, and serves as advisor for students pursuing a WIU MBA.

Prior to arriving in the CBT, Schuyler was the Director of Special Events and Promotions in Advancement and Public Services at WIU. In talking about the about the transition to academic administration she says, “I love all of the ways in which being at the College level brings me closer to the students and reinvents my enthusiasm for WIU.”

If you meet Schuyler, you’ll inevitably discover her uncanny search for quirky fun facts. Hers – she’s an accomplished seamstress with a weakness for homemade Halloween costumes for her daughters, Audrey and Ellen.

Becky Paulsen, Director of Development

Becky Paulsen joined the College of Business and Technology in December of 2006 to serve in the newly created position of Director of Development. Prior to coming to WIU she was the President of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Corporation. She has also owned her own wholesale and retail businesses, as well as managed a number of small businesses throughout her career. Her strong community relationships and business experience make her a unique asset to the college and the position.

When asked what she likes most about her position Becky replied “I’m enjoying all the new relationships I am developing here. From our outstanding faculty, staff and students to alums passionate about their WIU legacy, and businesses who are proud and impressed with their relationships with our college’s faculty and students…the College of Business and Technology is a full of great, committed people. It’s really all about relationships. Things are happening here and I enjoy telling others about it!”

When Becky isn’t reading and absorbing all she can about trends in development for institutions of higher education, you will most likely find her quietly quilting, shopping or spending time with her husband and/or any of their five adult children.

Lori Boyer, Secretary to the Dean

Lori is the secretary to the Dean and also handles the CBT budgets. Her track record is long and well established - she has worked for seven Deans in the 18 years that she has been at the CBT Dean’s Office. She assists them with nearly every College activity.

Lori holds a bachelor’s degree from WIU, and says, “The College of Business and Technology is the best place on campus to work! We really have something special here.”

When she’s not cheering on the CBT and WIU, you will most likely find her at one of her two children’s sporting events – be it football, volleyball, baseball or softball. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader!

Margie Carle, Secretary

If you call or stop by the Dean’s Office, you’ll likely be greeted by Margie’s positive outlook and outstanding smile! With more than 18 years in the Dean’s Office, you can be assured - she knows her stuff!

In addition to the “anything but ordinary” activities of her day, Margie consults with MBA students, schedules classroom space, and prepares College correspondence. She’s also holds an essential role in planning the annual CBT Scholarship Awards ceremony and serves as the primary liaison to physical plant for maintenance and repair of Stipes Hall.

Margie’s a great listener and is always available to help. When asked about what she likes most about her job she says, “I love interacting with the students, faculty, and staff. I want to help add to the students’ experience here at WIU and make it as pleasant as possible.”