Award Description

The purpose of this award is to recognize tenured faculty at the rank of professor who have achieved a truly exceptional record of creative activities or research productivity and who demonstrate a record of continued extraordinary productivity. The award consists of the designation “University Distinguished Research Professor” and a one-time supplement of $5,000 added to the base salary. Up to five awards may be made per year to the most qualified candidates. 

Eligibility

  • Must be a full-time tenured professor
  • Must have a record of exceptionally distinguished research or creative activity
  • Must demonstrate evidence of the potential for continued extraordinary productivity

Nomination Procedures

Nominations for the designation of University Distinguished Research Professor shall be made by the department chair and submitted to the school or college dean. A candidate's nomination must be based upon a record of sustained excellence over the course of their career.  

Submission Process

The nominator (school or college dean) should submit the nomination packet via the nomination portal. If you have any questions please contact us at Faculty.Success@unt.edu or 940-565-3987.

Selection Process

Nominations will be reviewed by the University Distinguished Research Professor Selection and Review Committee. 

Deadline

All completed nomination packets must be received by Faculty Success by 5 p.m. October 9, 2025. See the Call for Nominations (NEW) and Call for Nominations (RENEWAL) for details.

UNT Policy 06.015

University Distinguished Research Professors

YEAR

FACULTY MEMBER

DEPARTMENT

2025-26

Ana Alonso

Biological Sciences

2025-26

Jaymee Haefner

Instrumental Studies

2025-26

Thomas Scharf

Materials Science and Engineering

2025-26

Hong Wang

Chemistry

2024-25

Jehanne Dubrow

English

2024-25

Shengqian Ma

Chemistry

2024-25

Kamesh Namuduri

Electrical Engineering

2023-24

David Childs

Instrumental Studies

2023-24

Jincheng Du

Materials Science and Engineering

2023-24

Arkadii Krokhin

Physics

2022-23

Wonbong Choi

Materials Science and Engineering

2022-23

Gustavo Romero

Keyboard Studies

2021-22

Geoffrey Wawro

History

2020-21

Pudur Jagadeeswaran

Biological Sciences

2019-20

Shobhana Chelliah

Linguistics

2018-19

Richard Croft

Vocal Studies

2017-18

Craig Neumann

Psychology

2017-18

Arup Neogi

Physics

2016-17

Warren Burggren

Biological Sciences

2016-17

Rajarshee Banerjee

Materials Science and Engineering

2015-16

Valerie Martinez-Ebers

Political Science

2014-15

Rajiv Mishra

Materials Science and Engineering

2014-15

Jyoti Shah

Biological Sciences

2013-14

Dornith Doherty

Studio Art

2013-14

Marco Buongiorno Nardelli

Physics

2013-14

Mohammed Omary

Chemistry

2012-13

Richard Dixon

Biological Sciences

2012-13

Narendra Dahotre

Materials Science and Engineering

2012-13

Francis D'Souza

Chemistry

2012-13

John Peters

English

2012-13

Yong Tao

Mechanical and Energy Engineering

2011-12

John Ishiyama

Political Science

2011-12

John Ross

Linguistics & Technical Communication

2010-11

Steven Friedson

Music History, Theory, and Ethnomusicology

2010-11

Timothy Jackson

Music History, Theory, and Ethnomusicology

2009-10

Weston Borden

Chemistry

2009-10

J. Baird Callicott

Philosophy & Religion

2009-10

Jan Martin

Chemistry

2007-08

Timothy Montler

Technical Communication