Atherton Professorship Program
In recognition of the continuing high level of scholarly or creative activity Evan Pugh Professors may pursue after their retirement from the University, the Atherton Professorship was created to both recognize emeritus Evan Pugh Professors for their exceptional record in the scholarship of research and creative accomplishment, teaching and learning, and service and over the course of their careers, and to allow for the continuation of these activities to the benefit of the University community.
The Atherton Professorship is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the administered by the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
Criteria and Privileges
Atherton Professors typically engage in the pursuit of scholarly or creative activities, leadership, or outreach in one or more of the following ways:
- Obtaining external funding to support ongoing research;
- Current and future publications of research papers and/or books;
- Leadership in learned societies or scholarly journals;
- Solicited lectures, performances, or exhibits.
Selection as an Atherton Professor is for an initial term of three years with the possibility of renewal. Atherton Professors may receive support from their units such as funding, office space, or administrative support, they but do not retain any funding or privileges associated with their Evan Pugh Professorship. Atherton Professors may petition the Graduate School to retain their graduate faculty status during the term of their appointment as an Atherton Professor.
Eligibility
An eligible faculty member must:
- have been an Evan Pugh Professor immediately preceding their retirement as a faculty member at Penn State;
- be an emeritus retiree;
- have plans for continued engagement in the pursuit of research, creative accomplishment, and/or outreach consistent with the University’s academic mission.
Selection
Selection as an Atherton Professor is not automatic. Colleges should develop a process for receiving requests from retiring Evan Pugh Professors to be named an Atherton Professor and for evaluating the faculty member’s planned work. Deans are to forward college recommendations to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at least 30 days prior to the planned retirement date. It is expected that the unit executive will request emeritus status for the faculty member at the same time they make a request for an Atherton Professor appointment. After review and approval by the Executive Vice President and Provost, Atherton Professor appointments will begin concurrent with approval of emeritus status.
Current Atherton Professors
Harry Allcock, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: October 1, 2023
George Andrews, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: November 1, 2022
Abhay Ashtekar, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: January 4, 2023
Stephen Benkovic, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: July 1, 2023
Moses Chan, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: July 1, 2023
Nina Jablonski, College of the Liberal Arts
Date of Appointment: July 1, 2023
James Kasting, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Date of Appointment: November 1, 2022
Alexander Wolszczan, Eberly College of Science
Date of Appointment: January 1, 2024
Media
Three Penn State faculty members named inaugural Atherton Professors
Harry Allcock named Atherton Professor
George Andrews, Abhay Ashtekar named among first Atherton Professors
Stephen Benkovic named Atherton Professor
Nina Jablonski named Atherton Professor