Five Penn State professors have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, an elite and prestigious distinction conferred by the University on only 79 faculty members since the establishment of the designation in 1960.
The five professors newly bestowed with the University’s highest faculty honor, effective July 1, are:
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Réka Albert, distinguished professor of physics and biology, Eberly College of Science
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Suresh Canagarajah, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Applied Linguistics, English, and Asian Studies, College of the Liberal Arts
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Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, A. Robert Noll Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering; distinguished professor of engineering and associate dean for innovation in the College of Engineering.
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Clive Randall, distinguished professor of materials science and engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
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S. Shyam Sundar, James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Studies, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
The professorships are named for Penn State’s founding president, Evan Pugh, a renowned chemist and scholar who was at the helm of the University from 1859 to 1864.
“I am continually impressed by the extraordinary caliber and accomplishments of Penn State’s world-class faculty. Penn State’s Evan Pugh University Professors embody our commitment to excellence, innovation, creativity, discovery, scholarship and achievement at the highest level,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “I am deeply grateful to these five faculty members for their contributions to their fields, to the success of their students, and to our University. It is my honor to recognize them as Evan Pugh University Professors.”
The Evan Pugh University Professorships are awarded to faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields of research or creative activity; demonstrate significant leadership in raising the standards of the University with respect to teaching, research or creativity, and service; display excellent teaching skills with undergraduate and graduate students who go on to achieve distinction in their fields; and receive support from colleagues who also are leaders in their disciplines.
The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research oversees the program, as delegated by the Office of the President. An advisory committee of seven Penn State faculty members, including three Evan Pugh professors, reviews nominations for the honor and makes recommendations to the University president.