Purdue University Professorships

The practice of appointing distinguished and named professors emphasizes the University’s commitment to excellence in discovery, learning, and engagement.

Distinguished professors should be outstandingly original, creative, and productive individuals whose achievements in discovery and learning have been internationally recognized or who have made a unique contribution to the University through discovery, learning, or engagement.

Policy information governing these awards, as well as guidlelines and processes are provided in the Faculty and Staff Handbook.

Distinguished Professor

The title Distinguished Professor is a special recognition bestowed on a select few professors of outstanding accomplishment who have achieved national and international prominence. Conferring the title of distinguished professor requires a rigorous academic review and appointment by the Board of Trustees.

View a list of Purdue University's current Distinguished Professors

Named University Professor

The Named University Professor is a transitional title for faculty who received named professor appointments under the prior University policy that bestowed this title as an academic recognition similar to distinguished professorships.

View a list of Purdue University's current Named University Professors

Named Professor

The title Named Professor recognizes a professorship supported by external funding as outlined in the University's Guidelines for Naming Opportunities and Endowed Funds for the West Lafayette Campus (IX.4.1) or an equivalent funding plan. A named professorship is not an academic designation, although holders would normally be individuals of high accomplishment. Faculty of the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor can hold a named professorship.

View a list of Purdue University's current Named Professors