RIGHTFULLY RECOGNIZED. Dr. Holly Yuan, professor and program director at UW-Stout, was awarded at the annual Cyber Security Summit.

Dr. Holly Yuan was recently recognized for her impactful efforts at UW-Stout. The professor and director of both UW-Stout’s Cybersecurity and Computer Networking and Infrastructure Engineering programs, was awarded the Visionary Academic Leadership Award at this year's Cyber Security Summit, held Oct. 28-30.  

The summit took place in Minnesota, with attendees arriving from both public and private sectors. There, they worked together to improve the state of the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity. 

“This recognition represents more than personal achievement – it celebrates the collective dedication of our students, faculty, and partners in advancing cybersecurity education. It affirms our program’s impact on both individual careers and the broader industry landscape,” Yuan said. 

Yuan detailed that she entered the field driven by a fascination to understand how things work – I.T. was the perfect fit for her curiosity. This passion led her to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems.

She keeps up to date by pursuing numerous advanced I.T. and cybersecurity industry certifications, earning the prestigious CCIE Enterprise certification in 2012 – joining the elite 3% of network professionals worldwide. She has also obtained her Certified Information Security Manager credential.

"To women considering a career in I.T. or cybersecurity: don't let fear or stereotypes hold you back. ... You absolutely belong here."

Yuan explained that cybersecurity is a collaborative field that embraces lifelong learning because of its fast-paced advancements. There will always be something new to discover, and having a mindset for continuous growth is essential for success. 

Day to day, Yuan balances many hats that she wears around campus, such as building industry partnerships, advising students, and teaching classes. As a program director, she ensures that UW-Stout’s programs keep up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies.

“This constant evolution makes cybersecurity an incredibly rewarding journey for those who are passionate about learning and innovation,” Yuan said. “The most fulfilling part of my role is witnessing students grow – from curious beginners to confident, skilled professionals ready to make an impact.”

In a male-dominated field, Yuan often finds herself to be the only woman – and woman of color – at the table. “These challenges have also presented immense opportunities to inspire others and advocate for greater diversity in I.T. and cybersecurity,” Yuan said. 

She takes pride in seeing women from her program succeed in their careers. Their accomplishments continue to validate her commitment in fostering an inclusive technology community. 

“To women considering a career in I.T. or cybersecurity: don’t let fear or stereotypes hold you back. Be confident, seek out mentors, and continuously challenge yourself. Your unique perspective and skills are invaluable to this field. Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise–  you absolutely belong here,” Yuan said.

Learn more about UW-Stout’s Cybersecurity program online •  Learn more about the Computer Networking and Infrastructure Engineering program online