A distinguished professorship is the most prestigious academic appointment Indiana University can offer. Nominations may be made by faculty, alumni, students, and other knowledgeable sources. The rank of distinguished professor honors outstanding scholarship, artistic or literary distinction, or other achievements that have won significant recognition by peers.

Distinguished Teaching Awards

Frederic Bachman Lieber Memorial Award

The oldest of Indiana University’s teaching awards, this award was established in 1954 by Katie D. Bachman in honor of her grandson. It was originally sponsored by the IU Foundation and is now sponsored by Mrs. Herman Lieber of Indianapolis.

Herman Frederic Lieber Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence

This teaching award, established in 1961 and first sponsored by the IU Foundation, is now sponsored by Mrs. Herman Lieber of Indianapolis.

John W. Ryan Awards for Distinguished Contributions to International Programs and Studies

John W. Ryan served as president of Indiana University from 1971 to 1987 and was instrumental in fostering IU’s commitment to excellence in international education. The Ryan Awards, initiated in 1991, honor faculty members and librarians from all campuses for exceptional contributions to the university’s international programs and studies.

Lieber Memorial Teaching Associate Award

Initiated in 1961, this award has been presented each year to outstanding teachers among the university’s graduate students who combine their programs of advanced study with instructional employment in their schools and departments.

Part-time Teaching Award

This award, established in 1999, calls attention to the importance of part-time teaching and recognizes faculty who have demonstrated excellence.

President’s Award

Established in 1974 to recognize outstanding teaching, research, or service on all of IU’s campuses, this award can be given in any division of the university and at any professional rank.

Sylvia E. Bowman Award

This award honors exemplary faculty members in discipline areas related to American civilization. Sylvia E. Bowman (1914-1989), the award’s namesake, gave 34 years of service to IU as a professor, academic administrator, and chancellor for regional campus administration. The award was established in 1994.

Thomas Ehrlich Award for Service Learning

Named after the man who served as IU's president from 1987 to 1994, this award is presented annually to an IU professor who has shown particular merit in service learning.

W. George Pinnell Awards for Outstanding Service

Established in 1988, this award recognizes faculty members and librarians who have shown exceptional breadth of involvement and depth of commitment in service to the university, to their profession, or to the public. W. George Pinnell, former executive vice president of Indiana University and former president of the IU Foundation, was known for his stewardship as dean of the School of Business, for leadership in university administration, for initiatives in the Campaign for Indiana, and for service to state and national government.

Wilbert Hites Mentoring Award

First bestowed in 2000, this award recognizes a faculty member who has displayed outstanding mentoring qualities, providing students or colleagues with the academic support, advice, and encouragement needed to accomplish their career and educational goals. The award was established by Ronald A. Hites, distinguished professor of public and environmental affairs and of chemistry, in honor of his late father.

This award was discontinued in 2005.