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 $10,000 per year as a research fund and are appointed for five years with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

Award Recipients 

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)