Engineering Honor Society Recognizes USA's Dr, John Steadman

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Posted on August 23, 2024

Lance Crawford

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The Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society has named Dr. John W. Steadman, dean emeritus and professor of engineering at the University of South Alabama, a recipient of its 2024 Asad M. Madni Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his decades of service as a leader in engineering education, in the practice of engineering and in his local community.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Tau Beta Pi,” Steadman said. “I would never have dreamed that I would receive this award, especially considering the amazing engineers who have previously received this distinction.”

Steadman has three electrical engineering degrees: a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. He spent nearly 35 years as a professor, department head and associate dean of engineering at the University of Wyoming before being named dean of South’s College of Engineering in 2003. He left the position of dean in 2019 but remains on faculty.

“The most rewarding aspect of my 50 years in engineering education has been helping students understand how science and math principles can be applied to the very creative process of designing new devices and processes that benefit all of us, sometimes in a transformative way,” Steadman said. “I have learned as much from my students as they have learned from me, but the entire atmosphere of teaching and learning is very stimulating and gratifying.”

Steadman spent 16 years on Wyoming’s State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. He currently serves on boards for several local community organizations, including the Exploreum Science Center and Partners for Economic Progress. In addition to volunteer work, he supports students and faculty through endowments established with his wife, Dr. Sally J. Steadman.

“The most important benefit to being a member of Tau Beta Pi has been the opportunity to be involved with hundreds of the very best and brightest young engineers in our universities as they enter their engineering careers,” Steadman said.

According to its website, Tau Beta Pi is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation's second-oldest honor society, founded at Lehigh University in 1885. There are now active collegiate chapters at 257 U.S. colleges and universities, 52 active alumni chapters in 16 districts across the country and a total membership of 640,293.

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