Academics

Fifteen named distinguished professors at Penn State

Early morning sun shines on the Nittany Lion Shrine, on Penn State's University Park campus. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs has named 15 faculty members as distinguished professors.

The University's 2017 distinguished professors are:

Penn State Altoona

  • Brian C. Black, professor of history and environmental studies

College of Agricultural Sciences

  • Jonathan P. Lynch, professor of plant nutrition

College of Arts and Architecture

  • Kim D. Cook, professor of music
  • Kenneth R. Tamminga, professor of landscape architecture

Smeal College of Business

  • Russell R. Barton, professor of supply chain and information systems

College of Engineering

  • Anand Sivasubramaniam, professor of computer science and engineering
  • Karen Thole, professor and head of mechanical and nuclear engineering

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

  • George Looney, Professor of English and creative writing

Penn State Greater Allegheny

  • Margaret L. Signorella, professor of psychology and women's studies

College of Health and Human Development

  • Dennis P. Scanlon, professor of health policy and administration
  • Joshua M. Smyth, professor of biobehavioral health and medicine

College of the Liberal Arts

  • Christopher D. Castiglia, Liberal Arts Research Professor of English
  • James P. Dillard, Liberal Arts Research Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences
  • George R. Milner, professor of anthropology
  • Jenae M. Neiderhiser, Liberal Arts Research Professor of Psychology

The title of distinguished professor recognizes the academic contributions of current, full-time faculty members who hold the rank of professor. Distinguished professors are acknowledged leaders in their fields of research or creative activity; demonstrate significant leadership in raising the University's standards in teaching, research or creative activity and service; and exhibit excellent teaching skills.

Last Updated January 6, 2017