Remembering Glenn B. Dietrich, Father of Cyber Security at UTSA

Glenn B. Dietrich, a prominent figure in the field of cyber security and professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), passed away on May 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the cyber security program at the university and beyond.

Dietrich, known as the father of the cyber security program at UTSA, played a pivotal role in developing the college’s B.B.A. in Cyber Security and the concentration in Cyber Security as part of the Master of Science degree in Information Technology. His early vision to obtain the National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Education designation for UTSA in 2002 laid the foundation for the success of the program.

Colleagues and students alike remember Dietrich as a caring and passionate advocate for the field of cyber security. His impact extended beyond the university as he worked with community colleges, K-12 students, military organizations, and national research centers to promote cyber security education and training.

Throughout his career at UTSA, Dietrich was awarded over $8 million in grants, focusing on workforce development, scholarship, mentorship, and capacity building in cyber security education. His dedication to providing training and education in cyber security earned him recognition in the San Antonio Cyber Hall of Honor in 2016.

Dietrich’s research interests included information assurance, cyber physical systems security and privacy, technology management, and innovation. He was an active member of professional organizations and published in leading journals in the field.

His passing is mourned by the UTSA community and the broader cyber security landscape, where his contributions have left a lasting impact. Dietrich’s vision and dedication to the field will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him.