At the University of Vermont our most prominent faculty members are internationally recognized scholar/teachers who have made outstanding contributions to advancing knowledge in their disciplines. Many of the world’s leading universities recognize a select cohort of their most distinguished scholar/teachers with the rank of University Distinguished Professor.

The University of Vermont has thus created the rank of University Distinguished Professor. These scholars will be entitled to use the title University Distinguished Professor throughout their career at the University of Vermont, and wear a medal with their academic regalia signifying this distinction. They will also serve as an informal advisory body to the leadership of the university, and receive an annual professional expense stipend to support their scholarly endeavors.

The rank of University Distinguished Professor is a career appointment. Up to10 people may hold the title at this time, exclusive of retired members who retain Emeriti status for life. The program was founded in 2009 by then Provost John M. Hughes with the objective of recognizing and honoring University of Vermont professors who, over an extended period of time, have attained an international reputation in the areas of teaching, research and scholarship, and service, and for that reason bring great distinction to their home institution.