Vetter Named IEEE Computer Society Distinguished Contributor

Dr. Ron Vetter, founding dean of the College of Science and Engineering, has been named a 2025 Distinguished Contributor to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society. 

This selection honors individuals who have made substantial and sustained technical contributions to the IEEE Computer Society, the broader computing community and the computing profession, along with their other notable technical achievements.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the IEEE Computer Society, an organization that has been instrumental in shaping the future of computing and technology worldwide,” Vetter said. “Its commitment to advancing research, education and innovation continues to inspire professionals across the globe, and I am proud to contribute to that mission.”

Vetter has played a pivotal role in the IEEE Computer Society, serving on the editorial board of Computer, the organization’s flagship publication, since 1995 and as editor-in-chief for four years. He was honored with the 2023 IEEE-CS Richard E. Merwin Award for Distinguished Service—the society’s highest volunteer service recognition.

Vetter’s research spans cybersecurity, web and mobile applications, network security, digital forensics and cyber-physical systems. He regularly advises educational institutions, businesses and industry leaders on curriculum design, program development, technology commercialization, patent litigation and other computer science-related matters.

He has contributed to numerous initiatives at UNCW and within the Wilmington community, including serving as co-principal investigator on a maritime cybersecurity workforce development grant, as well as on the National Treatment Court Resource Center project with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The IEEE Computer Society is the world’s largest international community of computer scientists and engineers. It brings together engineers, researchers, academics and industry professionals worldwide to advance computing science and technology.