12.8 A Founder of Our College: Professor Roberta Steinbacher

Dr. Roberta Steinbacher is a renowned professor emerita at Cleveland State University, where she founded the Levin College of Urban Affairs and designed its first undergraduate programs.

Over her career, she empowered thousands of students to pursue careers in public service, providing opportunities previously unavailable to many students. For example, Dr. Steinbacher created the Push to Achievement Program, a collaboration between CSU and the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services Welfare Division. This initiative enabled 130 women receiving public assistance to earn a four-year degree.

She also created the AAPLE program to recognize students’ prior learning and expedite their degree completion.

Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Steinbacher was a distinguished practitioner. She served in Governor Richard Celeste’s cabinet from 1983 to 1988 as the Executive Director of the Ohio Department of Human Services. In this role, she oversaw various state social service programs and initiatives, addressing critical issues related to public assistance, child welfare, and social services. Her tenure in the department underscored her deep commitment to public service and social equity, and her work continues to inspire students and professionals dedicated to improving the welfare of Ohio’s residents.

Remember, if you choose to pursue one of our undergraduate majors, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a distinguished leader in the field who dedicated herself to CSU. When you walk into the Urban Building’s atrium, look up, and you’ll see it’s named after her. As a senior, you can also earn a full ride through the Campbell-Steinbacher Fellowship program, which she and another founding professor, Dr. Thomas Campbell, personally endowed.

Professor Steinbacher with Professor Sy Murray at the Levin School’s 2024 homecoming party.