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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Six Professors Named Distinguished University Professor
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees awarded its highest faculty honor to six professors at its recent meeting. Each was named a Distinguished University Professor, a permanent title that recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work, and service. This honor is reserved for tenure-track professors with at least five years at Ohio State who have demonstrated exceptional performance. Honorees receive a $30,000 one-time academic grant and gain membership in the President’s and Provost’s Advisory Committee. Since its establishment in 1987, only 78 faculty have received the title.
- Gail E. Besner, H. William Clatworthy Jr. Professor of Surgery, College of Medicine
- Shan-Lu Liu, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Alan Luo, Donald D. Glower Chair in Engineering, College of Engineering
- Giorgio Rizzoni, Ford Motor Company Chair in ElectroMechanical Systems, College of Engineering
- Brent Sohngen, Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
- Claudia Turro, Dr. Melvin L. Morris Endowed Professorship in Inorganic Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
President Ravi V. Bellamkonda remarked, "Academic excellence is only possible because of our people. World-class research, exceptional scholarship, dedicated service — we have lots of reasons to be incredibly grateful for and proud of our distinguished faculty."
Board Reviews President Bellamkonda’s Tenure and Goals
The board reviewed the tenure and progress of President Ravi V. Bellamkonda, acknowledging advancements in academic excellence, the integration of artificial intelligence into undergraduate experiences, and transformative research initiatives. Bellamkonda, who was appointed in March as the 18th president, received praise from Board Chair Jeff M. S. Kaplan for his vision and energy. The board approved a 3% adjustment to Bellamkonda’s base salary and an annual performance award of $420,000 for achieving set goals.
Fiscal year 2027 goals were adopted by the trustees, emphasizing inspiring, innovating, empowering people statewide and beyond, and reinforcing the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan. Targeted areas include academic, healthcare, and athletic excellence at Ohio State University.
New Academic Programs and Curricular Changes
The trustees approved the establishment of a Bachelor of Science major in biotech science and a Bachelor of Arts major in civics, law, and leadership. These new academic programs are designed to address workforce needs in biotechnology and life sciences and to strengthen students’ capacity for civic participation and leadership. Additionally, revisions to the classics, comparative studies, natural resource management, and environmental policy and decision-making majors were approved.
Faculty Appointments, Reappointments, and Honors
The board approved several faculty appointments and reappointments to endowed chairs, professorships, and academic leadership roles across various colleges. Among these were new appointments for Karin Allenspach, Natarajan Balasubramanian, Susie Breitenstein, Kristi Cheramie, and several others. Reappointments included distinguished positions in law, engineering, medicine, and arts and sciences.
Honorary degrees were approved for Douglas Laycock (Doctor of Laws, honoris causa) and Dianne McIntyre (Doctor of Arts, honoris causa). The board also passed resolutions in memoriam for multiple emeritus professors and former trustees who passed away in recent months.
Campus Renovations and Capital Projects
Trustees authorized the university to proceed with professional services and construction contracts for multiple campus projects. These include expansions and renovations to the East Hospital endoscopy unit, Hughes Hall, Wexner Medical Center community facilities, Ramseyer Hall, Baker Hall, Fawcett Center, Howlett Hall, Knowlton Hall, North Towers, and others. The capital investment plan for fiscal year 2027 was approved, outlining funding from university and auxiliary sources for infrastructure improvements and deferred maintenance.
Additional Board Actions and Recognitions
The board approved several joint use agreements with entities such as Edison Welding Institute and Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. Amendments to the bylaws of the Board of Trustees and Wexner Medical Center Board were adopted, and committee appointments for the upcoming fiscal year were ratified. Patient care service plans, quality management initiatives for university hospitals, and evaluation of contracted services in medical operations also received board approval.
Other actions included new namings of campus spaces, such as the Oklo Nuclear Reactor Laboratory and CVS Health Innovation Hub, and the establishment of several new endowed chairs, professorships, fellowships, and scholarship funds via the University Foundation Report.
Source: news.osu.edu.
