IUP has named computer science professor Dr. Waleed Farag as its 2026–2027 Distinguished University Professor, the university’s highest faculty honor recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Farag, who directs IUP’s Institute for Cybersecurity, has been a faculty member since 2002 and has helped build the university’s cybersecurity program into a nationally recognized effort. He has secured more than $20 million in external funding across dozens of federal and state projects, including major Department of Defense and National Science Foundation awards focused on cybersecurity workforce development and research.
University leaders say his work has strengthened student mentoring, expanded applied research opportunities, and elevated IUP’s national reputation in cybersecurity education. As Distinguished University Professor, Farag will receive a reduced teaching load to focus on a new initiative studying cybersecurity workforce pipelines and regional STEM education gaps. He will hold the title for life
