2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
    Oct 15, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog

Faculty Awards and Endowed Professorships


 

Faculty Awards

AAUP Professor-of-the-Year, awarded by the Colgate chapter of the American Association of University Professors to a member of the faculty who has demonstrated (over time) the virtues of insight, integrity, and dedication to their professional career; who has shown commitment to the liberal arts and to the academic community at Colgate; and who has worked with notable honesty and courage.

Jerome Balmuth Award for Teaching, established in 2009 by Mark Siegel ‘73 in honor of Jerome Balmuth, the Harry Emerson Fosdick Professor of Philosophy and Religion, and awarded for superb teaching of undergraduates by Colgate faculty members.

Sidney J. and Florence Felten French Prize, awarded annually for excellence in inspirational teaching; it may go to one teacher or to more than one teacher if awarded for inspirational team teaching.

Howard N. Hartman Coach-of-the-Year Award, given annually to an intercollegiate coach at Colgate in recognition of the ability to motivate, to instill discipline, to help build character and perseverance, to display resourcefulness, and to be adept at teaching the fundamentals of the sport. Records of wins and losses are a minor consideration.

Phi Eta Sigma Professor-of-the-Year, awarded by Phi Eta Sigma, the honorary society for first-year students, for excellence in teaching, service, and dedication to Colgate students.


Endowed Professorships

Warren ‘43 and Lillian Anderson Chair in Chemistry
Established in 2017 by Lillian Anderson W’43 for a chair in the Department of Chemistry. Anderson and her late husband, Warren ‘43, were longtime supporters of the Colgate chemistry department. Appointment of the Anderson Chair will be made by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Banfi Vinters Chair in Economics
Established by the Villa Banfi Foundation in 1985. The chair may be held by a newly appointed distinguished professor of the Colgate faculty, a distinguished visiting professor, or a business executive in residence. Selection of the chairholder is made by the dean of the faculty and the president of the University with approval of the Board of Trustees. The selection is based on outstanding scholarship and teaching ability. Under the auspices of the chair, courses in the American economy are emphasized.

Thomas A. Bartlett Chair of Public Affairs
Established in 1977 through gifts donated to the University to honor President Thomas A. Bartlett H’77, who led Colgate from 1969 to 1977. The chair, first to be named for a Colgate president, is used to provide support for faculty who reflect former president Bartlett’s career as a diplomat, public servant, university administrator, and leader of higher education associations. The Bartlett chair is not confined to a single department and is defined as a University chair.

Batza Family Chair in Art and Art History
Established in 1997 through the generosity of Michael J. Batza Jr., a member of the Class of 1963 and a University trustee emeritus; his wife, Patricia; and daughter, Maureen, a member of the Class of 1990. This endowment supports a chair in art and art history. Selection is based on the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. The chairholder is selected by the dean of the faculty in consultation with the president of Colgate University.

Dunham Beldon Jr. Chair of Natural Sciences
Established in 1991 by Dunham Beldon Jr., Class of 1929. Awarded to outstanding faculty in the various fields of natural science with preference to the teaching and study of environmental science, the Beldon Chair may be held by a tenured, nontenured, or newly recruited member of the Colgate Faculty. Selection of the chairholder is based on the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. Appointment to the chair is normally for a term of five years. Selection of the chairholder is made by the dean of the faculty in consultation with the president of Colgate University.

Daniel C. Benton ‘80 Endowed Chair in Arts, Creativity, and Innovation
Established in 2020 through the generosity of Daniel C. Benton ‘80 to assist Colgate University’s efforts in recognizing teaching excellence and scholarly achievement. The chair is awarded to a distinguished faculty member in the field of arts, creativity, and innovation.

Dr. William L. Boyle, Jr. ‘55 Endowed Chair in Political Science
Established in 2020 by Dr. William L. Boyle, Jr. ‘55 to recognize and support members of the Political Science department whose contributions enrich the understanding of American government and politics, providing insight into institutions, processes, ethical commitments, and events which influence our democratic system.

Gretchen Hoadley Burke ‘81 Endowed Chair for Regional Studies
Established in 2006 by Stephen Burke ‘80 and Gretchen Hoadley Burke ‘81 to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding scholars whose research interests focus on Upstate New York. The chair is occupied on a rotating basis by visiting or permanent faculty members from diverse disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and/or natural sciences. The chairholder is appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

George Carleton Jr. Chair in Philosophy
Established in 1997 by Charlotte Carleton in memory of her husband, George Carleton Jr., of the Class of 1927. This permanent endowed fund supports a faculty chair in philosophy. The recipients for this chair are nominated by the dean of faculty, approved by the president, and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

Rebecca Chopp Chair in the Humanities
Established in 2019 by former members of Colgate University’s Board of Trustees, with the guidance and support of President Brian W. Casey, in honor of the University’s 15th president, Rebecca S. Chopp. President Chopp was the first woman president at Colgate, and this chair was created in recognition of her effective leadership and commitment to academic excellence. Selection of the chairholder is made by the provost and dean of the faculty, based upon outstanding scholarship and teaching ability in the humanities.

Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professorship
Established in 1974 through generous gifts from John K. Colgate Sr. H’69 and members of his family as a memorial to Russell Colgate. The chair is awarded to a distinguished faculty member in a department or field designated by the provost and dean of the faculty and the president of the University.

George R. and Myra T. Cooley Professorship of Peace and Conflict Studies
Established in 1983 through the George R. and Myra T. Cooley Endowment, which also provides support for the peace studies program. Cooley, Class of 1921, made the initial contribution to establish the peace studies program at Colgate. He was awarded an honorary degree by Colgate in 1969.

William Henry Crawshaw Chair in Literature
Established in 1951 through gifts of the Class of 1926 and others. The chair honors Crawshaw, Class of 1887, who spent 43 years as a beloved member of the Colgate faculty. A member of the Department of English, Professor Crawshaw also served as acting president and as dean of the college.

Charles A. Dana Professorship Fund
Established by the Charles A. Dana Foundation in 1966. The foundation invited Colgate to participate in a Charles A. Dana Professorship Program. The fund provides partial salary and research support for seven distinguished members of the Colgate faculty. Said professors are faculty members whose responsibilities are in teaching rather than administration. They may be faculty members who are currently employed or, preferably, new appointees, in a subject matter determined by the University.

Harrington and Shirley Drake Chair in the Humanities
Established in 1988 by Harrington (Duke) Drake ‘41, chairman emeritus of the Colgate University Board of Trustees and The Campaign for Colgate, to assist Colgate University’s efforts to attract and retain outstanding faculty in the Division of the Humanities. The chair is awarded to senior and/or junior faculty members. The chairholder is appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty based upon the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. The recipient may be a tenured, nontenured, or newly recruited member of the Colgate faculty.

Edgar W.B. Fairchild Chair of English Literature
Established in 1977 by a generous gift from Edgar Fairchild H’83, trustee emeritus and retired chairman of the board of Fairchild Publications. The establishment of this chair shows the necessity of maintaining a prestigious faculty.

Murray W. and Mildred K. Finard Chair in Jewish Studies
Established in 1993 by Mildred K. Finard and her son, William G. Finard ‘68. This endowed chair was created to honor Murray W. and Mildred K. Finard. The chair recognizes in perpetuity the values and commitment shared by the Finard family and assists Colgate in supporting outstanding faculty in Jewish Studies. The appointment to the chair is based on the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. Selection of the chairholder is made by the president of Colgate University in consultation with the dean of the faculty.

Harry Emerson Fosdick Chair in Philosophy and Religion
Established in 1957 and completed in 1960 through a generous gift from Myra S. and George R. Cooley 1921, H’69, and augmented by gifts from the Rockefeller family and other donors. This memorial to Fosdick, Class of 1900, honors a man who attended Colgate Seminary, transferred to Union Theological Seminary, and became one of America’s most influential liberal preachers. James Colgate and his family were friends and financial supporters of Fosdick.

Neil R. Grabois Chair in Mathematics
Established in 1999 by trustees and friends of the University in honor of Neil R. Grabois, Colgate’s 13th president, who led the University from 1988 to 1999. The chair was created as a result of the successful eNRGy fundraising campaign. The faculty chairholder is selected by the provost and dean of the faculty in consultation with the president of the University.

Fund for the Study of Great Religions of the World
An endowed chair established anonymously in 1957 to encourage the sympathetic study of the religions of the world, to encourage spiritual communication between men and women of differing religious traditions, and to encourage through teaching, writing, and scholarly research the sympathetic presentation of the religions of the world as they are seen by their participants.

Richard J. and Joan Head Chair in Philosophy
Established in 2006 by the estate of Richard J. Head ‘50, in honor of Richard J. Head and his wife, Joan, to assist the University in attracting and retaining outstanding faculty members in the field of philosophy.

Charles G. Hetherington Professorship in Mathematics
First awarded in 1994. The endowment from which this professorship evolved was established in 1976 through a generous bequest made available from Charles G. Hetherington 1916 and is awarded to an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Mathematics.

Robert Hung-Ngai Ho Endowed Chair in Asian Studies
Established in 1993 through a generous gift from Robert Hung–Ngai Ho ‘56. This endowed chair was established to bring prominence to Colgate’s Asian Studies program by recognizing a distinguished, tenured teacher–scholar in this program. Selection is based on the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. Selection is also made by the provost and dean of the faculty and the president of the University with approval of the Board of Trustees. Appointment to the chair is normally for a term of five years.

Hurley Family Chair in Dialogue, Deliberation, and Decision Making
Established in 2022 by Becky ‘81 and Christopher Hurley ‘81, P’12,’12. This chair recognizes Colgate faculty members who serve as leaders in strengthening dialogue and deliberation in the Colgate community. Recognizing the importance of education in democracy, the chairholder supports a climate of debate and deliberation that is open and robust; that does not suppress ideas because some consider them wrong, immoral, or offensive; and that helps give students the power to summon reason, to gather facts, and to encourage discourse that is sound, fair, and powerful. The chairholder is appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Chair in Liberal Arts Studies
Established in 1996 by the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation to support Colgate’s liberal arts core curriculum. This chair is held by senior faculty members in three–year rotations and occasionally by a distinguished visiting professor.

Peter L. and Maria T. Kellner Endowed Chair in Arts, Creativity, and Innovation
Established in 2020 by Peter L. Kellner ‘65 and family (Erik M. Zissu ‘87, Zoe H. Zissu ‘16, and Claudia M. Hensley ‘19). Recipients of this chair exhibit excellence in scholarly achievement and teaching in the field of arts, creativity, and innovation. Selection of the chairholder is made by the provost and dean of the faculty.

William R. Kenan Jr. Chair Fund
Established by the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust in 1972 in support of the Kenan Professorship. After receiving a recommendation from the dean of the faculty, the president selects the Kenan Professor and the department with which he or she is affiliated. The objective of the chair is to honor William R. Kenan Jr. and to support and encourage a scholar–teacher whose enthusiasm for learning, commitment to teaching, and sincere personal interest in students enhances the learning process and makes an effective contribution to the undergraduate community.

Richard M. Kessler Chair of Economic Studies
Established in 1988 by Richard Kessler ‘52 to assist the University in attracting and retaining outstanding faculty in the field of economics. Selection of the individual is based on the individual’s scholarly achievements and teaching excellence. The holder may be a tenured or nontenured member of the Colgate faculty or a newly recruited member of the Colgate faculty. Appointment to the chair is normally for a term of five years.

Kindler Family Chair in Global Contemporary Art
Established in 2006 by Robert ‘76 and Pamela Pickert Kindler ‘76, P’04,’08,’12 to assist Colgate University’s efforts to recognize excellence in research and teaching in the field of contemporary art and criticism, with a special emphasis on the global aspects of visual art production, reception, and distribution. The chairholder is appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Gordon and Dorothy Kline Faculty Chair in Chemistry
Established in 1988 through the trust of Dr. Gordon M. Kline ‘25. This endowed chair is awarded to an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Chemistry.

George Dorland Langdon Jr. Endowed Professorship of History
Established by the Colgate trustees in 1988 to recognize President Langdon’s accomplishments in strengthening the quality of intellectual life of the University and augmented in 2002 by a grant from the Kresge Foundation on the occasion of Dr. Langdon’s retirement from its Board of Trustees. The chair is awarded to a current member of the Department of History on continuous tenure, or to a newly appointed tenured professor, whose scholarly attainments are of outstanding quality. The Langdon Chair is someone whose level of intellectual curiosity and devotion to his/ her field of study, exhibited both in scholarship and in teaching, will serve as a model for other people. Selection of the chairholder is made by the provost and dean of the faculty and president of Colgate University. Final approval is given by the Board of Trustees.

Leary Family Chair in Environmental Studies
Established in 2022 by the Gleason-Leary Foundation to assist Colgate University’s efforts in recognizing teaching excellence and scholarly achievements in the study of the environment and sustainability.

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Chair
Established by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 1981 and designed to bring new and promising faculty members to the institution. The president of Colgate University decides in which fields or disciplines the professorship should be established and for what period of time.

Harvey Picker Professorship in International Relations
Established in 1965 by Evelyn Picker in honor of her son, Harvey Picker ‘36, H’69. The holder of this appointment may be either an American or a non–United States citizen who is distinguished in the field of international relations.

Jean Picker Chair
Established in 1995 by Dr. Harvey Picker ‘36 in memory of his wife, Jean Picker. The chair is established to recognize the special contributions of women faculty members at Colgate University, and carries with it the name of the woman who served as Colgate University trustee in the first decade of coeducation. This chair is in recognition of Jean Sovatkin Picker’s distinguished work as a diplomat, writer, and foundation administrator, which included service as United States delegate to the United Nations under three presidents and a long–standing collaboration with Eleanor Roosevelt. This chair also recognizes Jean Picker in helping Colgate realize its mission as a coeducational institution. The holder of this appointment focuses on enhancing the educational opportunities of Colgate students, particularly women. The University may use the chair to attract a distinguished person from another institution or it may choose to select an international candidate. In either case, the selection process includes nominations from divisional directors to the dean of the faculty and a thorough review of teaching, scholarship, and in the case of an internal appointment, institutional service.

Raab Family Chair in Biology
The Raab Family Chair in Biology was established in 1999 through the generosity of G. Kirk Raab, Class of 1959 and trustee emeritus, to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding faculty in the field of biology. Its establishment is a reflection of the donor’s commitment to biology, genetics, and biogenetic research. The chair is awarded on a rotating basis to faculty in biology. The chairholder will be appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Chair in the Humanities
Established in 1997 through the generosity of Donald M. Rebar, a member of the Class of 1955, and his wife, Constance. The endowment supports a chair in the humanities; selection is based on the individual’s teaching excellence and scholarly achievements. This chair was established to assist Colgate in attracting and retaining outstanding faculty in the humanities.

W.S. Schupf Endowed Chair in Far Eastern Studies
Established in 1996 by Paul J. Schupf ‘58, trustee emeritus of Colgate University, in memory of his father, W.S. Schupf. The Schupf Chair is awarded to a member of the faculty whose academic pursuits involve one of the Far Eastern countries. The holder of the Schupf Chair is nominated by the dean of the faculty, appointed by the president, and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

Mark S. Siegel ‘73 University Professorship
Established in 2023 to recognize excellence in leadership and achievement. The professorship will be held only by the Provost and Dean of the Faculty.

Arnold A. Sio Chair in Diversity and Community
Established in 2004 by John K. Runnette ‘54, and created in honor of Arnold A. Sio, professor of sociology and anthropology emeritus. The fund is intended to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding scholars who, through research, teaching, and service activities, demonstrate a sustained commitment to the principles of diversity embraced by the institution. This chair is awarded for a finite amount of time to a current faculty member or to a distinguished visitor by invitation. The chairholder is expected to provide creative and strategic leadership on issues of diversity through substantive contributions to the community in the form of on– campus programming and other related activities. The chairholder will be appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Carl Benton Straub ‘58 Endowed Chair in Culture and the Environment
Established in 2008 by Carl Benton Straub ‘58 to support teaching and scholarship focused on the interplay between activities believed to be quintessentially human (religion, philosophy, art, literature, language, history, or related interdisciplinary programs) and the processes of the nonhuman natural world. The chairholder is selected by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Sweet Family Chair
Established in 2022 by Andrew W. Sweet to recognize excellence in teaching and scholarship, and encourage faculty engagement in new areas of intellectual inquiry through sustained immersion into knowledge beyond their current discipline. The academic and scholarly transformation of the chairholder will be demonstrated through curricular and programmatic innovation. The chair is expected to develop new courses within all University Programs, including the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, and explore new pedagogical approaches also to be shared with the Colgate faculty. The chairholder is appointed by the provost and dean of the faculty.

Peter L. Keller Third-Century Chair in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Established in 2020 by Peter L. Kellner ‘65 and family (Erik M. Zissu ‘87, Zoe H. Zissu ‘16, and Claudia M. Hensley ‘19). Chairholders are recognized for teaching excellence and scholarly achievements in the fields of philosophy, politics, and economics.

Harold Orville Whitnall Chair in Geology
Established in 1951 to honor Dr. Harold Orville Whitnall, Class of 1900, H’44, who taught at Colgate from 1903 to 1945. This chair was originally named the Mortimer C. Howe Geology Fund.

W. Bradford Wiley Chair in International Economics
Established in 1987 by W. Bradford Wiley ‘32, H’66 and John Wiley and Sons, Inc., publishers. In donating its portion of the grant, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., honored W. Bradford Wiley for his service to education and international affairs and as an alumnus and former trustee of Colgate University. The chair is awarded to support and encourage a scholar–teacher in the field of international economics whose intellectual vigor, commitment to teaching, and sincere personal interest in students will enhance the learning process and make an effective contribution to the academic community. The objective of the grant is to secure a distinguished appointment at Colgate University. The president of Colgate University is responsible for the selection of the professor(s) appointed to the Wiley Chair, with complete discretion in such selection and in the term of the appointment.

Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Chair
Established in 1988 through the generosity of Roy Wooster Jr. ‘50 in honor of his mother and father, a 1921 graduate. The donation completed a challenge from the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a permanent endowment for a professorship in the humanities. The Wooster Chair is awarded to a distinguished teacher and scholar of the classics and/or ancient religious studies.


Endowed Visiting Professors and Artists

Colgate Professorship in the Humanities
Established in 1967 through an anonymous gift and augmented in 1980 by a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, matched by gifts from friends and alumni. The chair is used to encourage distinguished teacher–scholars to come to Colgate on a visiting basis for one or two semesters.

Charles Evans Hughes Chair of Government and Jurisprudence
Established by the University in 1955 with funds from a bequest made by Hughes, former chief justice of the United States, and supplemented by gifts from his children and others. The chair is used to bring visiting professors to campus to teach in the areas of political science, government, and other fields in keeping with Justice Hughes’ background.

Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation Artist–in–Residence
Established in 1986 as a challenge grant in support of the arts at Colgate. The residency program permits one or more artists or scholars in each of the areas of fine arts, music, and theater to become part of the Colgate community every academic year.

A. Lindsay O’Connor Chair of American Institutions
Established in 1965 by Olive B. O’Connor, the chair honors the lifelong interests of Judge O’Connor, who was a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the Sixth Judicial District from 1943 until his retirement. The chair supports visiting distinguished professors in a variety of fields related to American institutions, including history, economics, and other fields of social science related to law.

Olive B. O’Connor Professorship of Literature
Established in 1965 by Olive B. O’Connor. The funds are used to support visiting scholar–teachers in English literature, American literature, or comparative literature.


Endowed Administrative Positions

The Jones and Wood Family Vice President of Admission and Financial Aid
Established in 2007 by Robert W. Jones ‘72, in recognition of his many family connections to Colgate University and his appreciation for the talents and efforts of the staff in the Office of Admission. The fund is intended to support and recognize outstanding administrators who work in the Office of Admissions.


Endowed Coaching Positions

John W. Beyer Endowed Coach for Men’s Soccer
Established in 2005 by Barry J. Small ‘76, created in honor of John W. Beyer, a dedicated Colgate employee from 1962–2005. Beyer served as the men’s soccer coach for 14 seasons, during which he posted 81 wins. While at Colgate, he also served as chairman of the physical education program and coach of tennis, basketball, and women’s soccer. This fund is intended to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding coaches in the field of soccer. The endowed coach, who also holds the title of head coach of men’s soccer, is appointed by the director of athletics with approval from the provost and dean of the faculty.

Fred and Marilyn Dunlap Endowed Coach for Football
Established in 2012 by friends and family in honor of Frederick ‘50 and Marilyn Dunlap P’81 to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding coaches in the field of football. The endowed coach, who also holds the title of head coach of football, is appointed by the director of athletics with approval from the provost and dean of faculty.

Mark S. Randall Jr. Endowed Coach for Swimming and Diving
Established in 2004 by Robert A. Fox ‘59 in memory of Mark S. Randall Jr., longtime Colgate swimming and diving coach. The fund is intended to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding coaches in the field of swimming and diving. Selection of the endowed coach, who also holds the title of head coach of swimming and/or diving, is based on the individual’s coaching excellence and achievements. The endowed coach is appointed by the director of athletics in consultation with the provost and dean of faculty.

Donald F. Vaughan Endowed Coach for Men’s Hockey
Established in 2007 by William Johnston ‘73, with additional support from Margaret Flanagan ‘80, Timothy Barrows (Williams ‘79), Edward Werner ‘71, Thomas Lynett ‘79, and David Fialkow ‘81, to assist Colgate University’s efforts to support and recognize outstanding coaches in the field of ice hockey. The endowed coach, who also holds the title of head coach of men’s ice hockey, is appointed by the director of athletics with approval from the provost and dean of the faculty.