The College Mediation team is no stranger to the podium. Their unique and uplifted approach to conflict resolution often gets them recognized on the international stage. Given their accomplishments, it’s perhaps unsurprising that one of their own was recently honored for his heart, competitive fire, and the impact he made.
Ask any student mediator about their time at Principia College, and Dr. Jeff Steele’s name, or “Jefe” as they lovingly called him, is sure to come up. Dr. Steele, who passed away earlier this semester, was not only the founder of the team but a beloved and vital part of the operation. His spiritual guidance, humor, encouragement to have fun, and declarations to “bring home the brass” are cultural stalwarts of the team. To Steele, mediation wasn't just conflict resolution, it was a form of peacemaking—a sentiment he instilled in his students. Given his impact, it’s little wonder he drew the attention of others in the mediation field.
At a competition in Orlando, Florida earlier this semester, the International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR) made its official announcement of an award honoring Dr. Steele. “Jeff Steele was a long-time coach and supporter of the mediation team at Principia College, and a member of the Undergraduate Tournament Committee of the International Academy of Dispute Resolution,” said INADR President Kenneth K. Frank, “His smile, sense of humor, and competitive fire will be missed.”
'Jefe' where he most loved to be—supporting his students from behind the scenes.
“He always said, ‘Trust the Jefe’” recalls junior Shaun Chore (C’26). “Competing at this level can feel overwhelming, but Jefe always told us to focus on having fun. So, while some teams seemed to stress about the competition, we remembered to ‘trust the Jefe’ and had a great time, which settled our nerves. Having the competition culminate by honoring his legacy is something we will always remember.”
“Jeff put Principia on the international map,” said mediation team coach John Williams (C’76), J.D., professor and former president of Principia College. “The students loved him. He quickly became one of the leaders in the global movement to advance undergraduate education in mediation, being recognized as Coach of the Year in 2016 by the INADR.”
This INADR recognition puts Dr. Steele in the Pantheon of mediation educators. At home, he's being honored by Principia with an endowment fund. And his legacy? That will be carried on by Principia mediators past, present, and future, who will continue to heal conflicts and “bring home the brass.”
Learn more about the mediation team's success this semester.
- Love in Action