Administration

Penn State Emeritus Academy now accepting applications

New program designed to recognize and promote the ongoing engagement of emeriti faculty in scholarly and creative activities

Credit: Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new program designed to recognize and promote the ongoing engagement of emeriti faculty in scholarly and creative activities has been created at Penn State. The Emeritus Academy, which will be overseen by the Offices of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, aims to provide a community-based approach that fosters continued intellectual curiosity, professional growth, and collegiality.

Membership is open to all Penn State emeritus tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty and administrators who are completing scholarly projects. Applicants are expected to be actively involved and productive in an area of research or creative activity; pedagogy or educational advancement; disciplinary or interdisciplinary leadership; or outreach.

Overseen by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, the Emeritus Academy seeks to promote a scholarly community among emeritus faculty, provide connections to keep emeritus faculty connected to Penn State, enhance the reputation of the University, and benefit society at large. During the academic year, members present lectures in their areas of expertise on topics ranging from scientific research to artistic practices.

"The Emeritus Academy grew out of conversations with the Faculty Affairs committee of the University Faculty Senate over the course of a number of years and a shared commitment to faculty engagement across the faculty lifespan," said Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Kathy Bieschke.

The academy affirms and supports Penn State’s dedication to the lifetime role of faculty members as scholars, artists, and community supporters, Bieschke added.

Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Ann Clements, who oversees the program, said, “Penn State is thrilled to offer this program to recognize and support the ongoing engagement of emeriti faculty, and to promote their continued scholarly and creative work.”

Membership in the Emeritus Academy is for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more information and to apply, visit the Penn State Emeritus Academy.

Members of the academy are granted the title of “Academy Professor.” This title may be used during the period in which the individual is a member of the academy. The academy hosts a series of lectures each year, open to the public, at which current members present their research or creative activity and respond to questions from the audience. When funds are available, the academy plans to sponsor an annual small research and travel grant program.

Last Updated May 15, 2023