AU faculty are outstanding scholar-teachers who conduct cutting-edge research, teach with dedication and distinction, and do important service to their university, scholarly field, nation, and world. In the case of tenure-line, library continuing appointment-line, and term faculty on the professor sequence, their achievements are typically rewarded with promotion to associate professor or librarian, then full, with a select few attaining the rank of distinguished professor or librarian or being honored with an endowed chair. (Throughout this message, all references to associate or full professors should be understood also to apply to associate or full librarians, in which case the university librarian shall substitute for the dean in the nomination process.)

The associate professor years are typically those in which scholars come into their own—publishing with the most important journals and presses; securing major grants, fellowships, and residencies; winning major awards (both for research and for teaching); leading in their professional organizations; and contributing their insights through broadcast media, social media, the courts, and congressional hearing rooms. We have long honored outstanding tenure-line associate professors with the annual Morton Bender Prize, which recognizes important research, scholarly, creative endeavor, or professional achievement by a colleague up to 4 years past their promotion to associate professor.

AU’s Faculty Manual confers upon the provost the power to award special titles other than regular faculty ranks upon the recommendation of a school-based committee and dean. Last year, I announced the creation of a new honorific title, provost associate professor, to honor a select few associate professors of exceptional merit. The first cohort was announced in March 2022. 

Colleagues awarded the provost associate professor title may hold it for up to 4 years or until they are promoted to full professor, whichever comes first. Because this title recognizes exceptional contributions while in rank, most awardees will be promoted to full professor within 2–3 years of conferral of the provost associate professor title.  

Consistent with the Faculty Manual (section 8.a.vii), recommendations for conferral of this honorific should come from a designated committee in the appropriate school or department and from the school’s dean. Scholarship of exceptional importance, as measured in accordance to the weightings of the home school, department, or library’s relevant promotion guidelines, will be the primary basis for such recommendations, although outstanding teaching and service (as applicable) will also weigh heavily. Tenure-line, library continuing appointment-line, and term associate professors or associate librarians are eligible for this recognition.

At full rollout, we anticipate this title being held by no more than 5–8 colleagues from across the university at any one time. Recommendations, which should include the nominee’s CV and letters from both the dean and appropriate promotion committee, should be submitted at this link by Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Many thanks in advance for all you contribute to the scholarly, pedagogical, and service missions of American University!