Guidelines for Appointment

Purpose of Award

The title of University Distinguished Professor is a lifetime title that represents the highest honor Kansas State University can bestow on its faculty, an award that recognizes those making outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service to their professions and communities.

Overview of Appointment Process

University distinguished professors are appointed following a universitywide nomination and evaluation process conducted by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President.

Nominations for the title of University Distinguished Professor (UDP) are due October 1st. This opportunity, coordinated through the provost's office in conjunction with the university distinguished professor group, will consider new appointments to this title for 2026.

The review of nominations will be conducted by the university distinguished professors group, with additional review and input provided by a group of selected university distinguished professors from other Big 12 universities. The selection of the external Big 12 university distinguished professors will be made by the provost.

Read a more detailed description for the selection of university distinguished professors.

Nominations of outstanding faculty who meet the criteria for the title of university distinguished professor can be made to the provost's office by any tenured Kansas State University faculty member. The files containing the entire nomination package, with original signatures, should be submitted to University Distinguished Professor Nominations at udpnominations@k-state.edu by October 1. Late or incomplete nomination packages will not be considered.

Be sure to use the University Distinguished Professors Nomination PDF Checklist before submitting nominations. Please pay special attention to how to name the submission files.

Benefits

In addition to the title of University Distinguished Professor as a permanent designation to be retained for the rest of the faculty member's career, and an opportunity to contribute within the University Distinguished Professors Group (UDPG) each appointee shall receive an enhancement of $12,000 added to their base salaries with funds provided through the provost's office.

Each appointee will be honored at a reception by the president in the fall. Additionally, they will be presented with a personalized plaque and medallion at the university's fall commencement ceremonies.