Beth Steffel, an associate professor in California State University, San Bernardino’s Department of Art and Design, has received the Faculty Excellence of the Year Award from the Cal State Student Association (CSSA).

“This award is presented annually to one CSU faculty member whose systemwide leadership reflects a commitment to the mission of CSSA, demonstrated exceptional inclusion of students in shared governance, and has assisted CSSA in advancing its policy agenda,” the association said in announcing the award.

The CSSA represents the nearly 500,000 students enrolled in the California State University system. The CSU is the largest and most diverse public four-year university system in the U.S.

Jeanne Tran-Martin, CSSA’s executive, said the association’s board of directors “spoke about (Steffel’s) willingness to listen and include students in critical conversations, serving as an advocate for faculty, and of her collaborative, empathetic and bold leadership.” In sum, “Chair Steffel has been an invaluable partner to CSSA.”

Steffel was both surprised and deeply honored by the CSSA award. “This was not something I expected,” she said. “I love working with students – this is why I teach within the CSU. This vote by these students is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Steffel has taught at CSUSB since 2007. Her courses have included the Internet of Things, digital/physical hybrids and intersections, branding, rapid prototyping, video production, motion graphics, design, print design, web design, photography, typography and promotions.

She has also been involved with faculty governance, both in the Faculty Senate on the CSUSB campus itself, as well as in the CSU Academic Senate. She was elected chair of ASCSU in 2022.

“One of my goals as chair of the Academic Senate this past year has been to create great bridges with partner organizations,” Steffel said. “The CSSA has been one of those. This is all part of shared governance.”

Prior to coming to CSUSB, she worked at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, and Truman State University. She is the founder and principal of Beth A. Steffel Design.

Steffel has two associate degrees from Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio; a bachelor of fine arts in both sculpture and graphic design from the University of Akron Myers School of Art; and a master of fine arts in electronic art from the University of Cincinnati DAAP.