University Honorifics and Endowed Faculty

College of Arts & Letters faculty members are recognized annually through university honorifics bestowed by Michigan State University. These honorifics showcase leadership in the classroom and diverse areas of research and scholarship. 

Additionally our College of Arts & Letters faculty members also serve in prestigious endowed, named, and foundation chair and professor roles bringing significant experience, accomplishments, and expertise from their different fields to Michigan State University. 

Research Foundation Distinguished Professors

Faculty who are named MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professors combine externally recognized, exemplary scholarly accomplishment with clear professional relevance to specific areas of MSU scholarly need, disciplinary development, research, or creative activity. This faculty honorific is awarded through the MS Research Foundation and was first awarded in 2014.

Red Cedar Distinguished Professors

Faculty who are named Red Cedar Distinguished Professors assist MSU in recruitment, recognition, and retention of outstanding faculty at all academic ranks, with the primary aim of enhancing the stature of the institution in research and creative activity. This faculty honorific was first awarded in 2022. 

University Distinguished Professors

Faculty who are named University Distinguished Professors have achieved distinguished achievement in teaching, research, and public service, including national and international recognition based on the importance of their scholarly achievements. This faculty honorific was first awarded in 1990.

Other University Distinguished Professors in the College of Arts & Letters:

• Robert T. Pennock, Computer Science and Engineering and Philosophy (2019)
• Howard Brody, Family Practice and Philosophy (2003)
• Marilyn Frye, Philosophy (2003)
• Dennis R. Preston, Linguistics and Languages (2003)
• Susan Mary Gass, English (1997)
• Elsa Verderber, Music (1997)
• David W. Robinson, History (1992)
• Geneva Smitherman, English (1992)
• David Anderson, American Thought and Language (1990)
• Warren I. Cohen, History (1990)
• Diane Wakoski, English (1990)

MSU Endowed 1855 Professorships

The 1855 Professorships program through the Office of the Provost recruits scholars who are taking bold strides to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Named for the year MSU was founded, these professorships bring together faculty members who will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusion while elevating the university’s academic and research excellence.

Endowed and Named Chairs, Professors, and Curators

Private funding, grants, and donors support endowed faculty positions that strengthen research and creative scholarship across the college and MSU.

These endowed positions provide faculty members with resources to further their work including writing and publishing, research, community outreach, and support for related expenses. Faculty in endowed positions also create opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience.

This important work helps MSU remain a competitive force among other universities and research institutions on a global scale.