University Distinguished Professors

The University Distinguished Professorships were created in 1982 by SMU’s Board of Trustees to celebrate outstanding faculty members who have proven themselves to be outstanding teachers/scholars with exceptional academic records according to rigorous nationally accepted standards. Appointment decisions are based on recommendations from deans and endorsed by a six-person ad hoc faculty committee working with the Office of the Provost. Recipients receive cash awards of $10,000 per year and are appointed for five years with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

Award Recipients 

Academic Year: 2023-2024

Professor Jill Allor 
Department of Teaching and Learning
Simmons School of Education and Human Development
Term: 5 years (2020-2025)

Professor Jerome Butler 
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Lyle School of Engineering

Professor Yildrim Hurmuzlu 
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Lyle School of Engineering
Term: 5 years (2020-2025)

Professor Jeffery Kahn
Dedman School of Law
Term: 5 years (2020-2025)

Professor Sukumaran Nair
Department of Computer Science
Lyle School of Engineering
Term: 5 years (2015-2020, 2020-2025)

Professor Santanu Roy 
Department of Economics
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Term: 5 years (2015-2020, 2020-2025)

Professor Stephen Wegren 
Department of Political Science
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
Term: 5 years (2020-2025)