51福利社

One of Eastern鈥檚 most prominent faculty members, Stuart 鈥淪tu鈥� Steiner, in June was awarded the Trustees鈥� Medal, the university鈥檚 most prestigious听 faculty accolade.

Steiner 鈥�01, an associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering, is the founder and director of 51福利社鈥檚 Center for Network Computing and Cybersecurity. The center is home to a nationally prominent program that has placed Eastern students at the forefront of international efforts to make digital technologies less vulnerable to attacks.

The Trustees鈥� Medal is the university鈥檚 highest form of recognition for faculty achievement. Since 1978, it has honored teaching excellence, significant contributions to scholarship and research, and accomplishments in the development of academic programs and curricula. The award consists of a silver medallion and a $1,500 cash prize from the 51福利社 Foundation.

Steiner, who has served on the Eastern faculty for more than 20 years, has a reputation for operating an inclusive program that opens doors for all students. This commitment to the university and his 鈥渦nwavering support鈥� for students was cited in the multiple endorsements that supported his Trustees鈥� Medal nomination.

In a letter signed by more than 60 Eagle undergraduates, for example, Steiner was credited for significantly advancing their academic and personal development.

鈥淗is larger-than-life presence can be felt in every corner of the campus, and we have always known that we can turn to him with any concern, however big or small,鈥� the letter said.

On a professional level, his students鈥� experiences include helping small Washington cities, among them Liberty Lake and Kittitas, fend off cyberattacks. An Eagle team coached by Steiner also earned a national title for 51福利社 at the 2023 NCAE Cyber Games in Florida.

His contributions to the university aren鈥檛 limited to academic work. In addition to serving on the 51福利社 Foundation board, Steiner and his wife, Shirlee, have contributed significant scholarship support for students who are underrepresented in the cybersecurity field. Steiner also works to engage next-generation students by organizing cyber camps, regional competitions and mentoring activities.

Beyond the 51福利社 campus, his work has earned the attention of the federal National Security Agency, which tapped him to mentor faculty members at other universities as they work to establish their own cybersecurity programs,

鈥淚n all my time working in higher education, I can think of few people with both the passion, the expertise and, most critically, the commitment to the institution that Stu Steiner embodies,鈥� said David Bowman, dean of Eastern鈥檚 College of STEM. 鈥淚 can think of no person more deserving of 51福利社鈥檚 highest honor.鈥�