Baker receives ECU Impact Award for college
Steve Baker, teaching instructor in the Department of Technology Systems in the College of Engineering and Technology, is shown with his ECU Career Services Impact Award. (Photo by Ken Buday)
Steve Baker, teaching instructor with the Department of Technology Systems, received the Impact Award for the College of Engineering and Technology from East Carolina University’s Career Services.
The Impact Award goes to faculty members who show exemplary dedication to student career preparedness inside and outside of the classroom.
According to the award recognition, Baker “engages his students in both on and off campus activities, including industry tours, internships and engagement with professional associations, such as the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). Mr. Baker has mentored students, written many letters of recommendation and supported students in professional development events.”
Baker has also hosted a number of employer-related events at ECU and has given up weekends to conduct free workshops on computer networking in Raleigh for military veterans and ISSA members. He also has conducted certification review sessions to help students prepare for industry certification exams, and has involved his students in career networking events, career fairs and field trips.
“I am quite honored,” Baker said. “It’s nice to receive recognition. I’m not a big recognition kind of person, but it is nice to get it. The things I do outside of school, I’m just trying to help the students.”
Baker serves as the faculty advisor for ECU’s chapter of ISSA, which is a nonprofit international organization that provides educational forums, publications and networking that can enhance the knowledge and skills of the security professionals who make up its membership.
Baker became a faculty member at ECU in 2013. He teaches Cisco networking courses as well as other undergraduate courses with a focus on networking, security and emerging technologies. He has 20 years of IT experience in the private and public sector, and said he prides himself on bringing real-world examples to his students.
Baker earned his Master of Science in digital communications from ECU and also has a federal Chief Information Officer designation from the National Defense University.
Department chairs from each college within the university submit nominations for the Impact Award. Those selected attend the annual Career Services Faculty Symposium, which includes key faculty members, department chairs, deans and other members throughout the Division of Student Affairs. This year’s symposium focused on structured internship programs, while spotlighting trends in career services and providing insight into best practices concerning career development for students. This year’s award winners were noted for their impact on student learning and outcomes through internships, clinical experiences, student teaching, and other structured work and learning opportunities.
– By Ken Buday, University Communications