The Office of the President at Penn State is currently inviting nominations for the prestigious Evan Pugh University Professorships. These nominations need to be sent to the appropriate dean by October 17th.
This professorship is the highest honor the university can grant to its faculty. Established in 1960, it recognizes professors who shine in their research and contribute to the university’s reputation. Every two years, faculty members are chosen regardless of their academic department, provided they are recognized leaders in their fields.
To qualify, nominees must have a solid teaching record and significantly impact student education, with strong outcomes for students post-graduation. They must hold the rank of professor and have served at Penn State for at least five years.
Since its inception, 84 professors have received this honor. Currently, there are 19 active Evan Pugh University Professors, including:
- Richard B. Alley, geosciences, 2000
- Nigel Higson, mathematics, 2006
- Donald C. Hambrick, management, 2010
- Jainendra Jain, physics, 2012
- Bruce Logan, civil and environmental engineering, 2012
- Andrew Read, biology, 2014
- Karen L. Bierman, psychology, 2016
- Others appointed through 2024.
The selection process involves the Office of Faculty Affairs, where nominations are evaluated by the Evan Pugh University Professor Advisory Committee before they make recommendations to the president.
For those interested in nominating someone, it’s advised to review the guidelines for preparing materials. Questions can be directed to Abby Diehl, the associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs.
The significance of these awards is underscored by experts in higher education who emphasize the need for strong faculty role models in today’s academic landscape. Recognizing excellence in research and teaching helps support future generations of scholars.
As universities face increasing challenges in funding and public perception, awards like these spotlight the essential role of faculty in driving innovation and maintaining educational quality. Recognizing exceptional teaching and research not only honors individual contributions but also strengthens the institution’s overall reputation.
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