Seven University of Colorado faculty members have been recommended for the title of Distinguished Professor, the university’s highest honor for tenured faculty. The recommendation was made by President Todd Saliman with input from the systemwide Committee of Distinguished Professors. The CU Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on these appointments during a meeting at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).
The title recognizes tenured professors who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work, excellence in teaching and student development, and outstanding service to their profession and the university community. Since its creation in 1977, a total of 160 individuals have received this distinction.
The new cohort will be formally honored during Board of Regents meetings in 2026, with specific dates yet to be determined.
This year’s nominees are:
Kristen A. Carpenter, J.D., Council Tree Professor of Law and Director of the American Indian Law Program at CU Boulder; Russell Cropanzano, Ph.D., Professor of Organization Behavior and Ted G. Anderson Professor of Free Enterprise at Leeds School of Business, CU Boulder; Marcia Douglas, Ph.D., Professor of English and Associate Chair for Creative Writing at CU Boulder; Noah D. Finkelstein, Ph.D., Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for STEM Learning at CU Boulder; Karl G. Linden, Ph.D., Professor and Chair in Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder; Jade Morton, Ph.D., Professor in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder; Marc Moss, M.D., Roger S. Mitchell Professor in Pulmonary Medicine at CU Anschutz.
Each nominee has contributed significantly to their respective fields through research leadership or creative work:
Kristen Carpenter is noted as “a globally recognized scholar and advocate in the fields of property, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ law.” Her work has influenced legal systems protecting cultural rights for Indigenous Peoples worldwide. She has served as a member and Chair-Rapporteur for a United Nations expert mechanism on Indigenous rights and contributed to federal policy reforms related to tribal affairs.
Russell Cropanzano’s research has “transformed the fields of organizational justice, behavioral ethics and employee well-being.” His scholarship includes pioneering theories on fairness that inform management practices globally. He is recognized as one of the most cited scholars in his discipline.
Marcia Douglas is described as “an internationally acclaimed novelist, poet and performer whose work has reshaped Afro-Caribbean and diasporic literature.” Her novels blend history with myth while exploring identity themes important to her field.
Noah Finkelstein’s contributions center on physics education research: “His pioneering work has transformed the way science is taught…in higher education.” He has led national initiatives on course design that have been adopted widely across institutions.
Karl Linden is an authority on environmental engineering whose “pioneering research on ultraviolet (UV) and advanced oxidation technologies has transformed…water treatment” worldwide. His group developed innovative disinfection systems used globally.
Jade Morton’s expertise lies in satellite navigation technology: “Her pioneering research…has transformed how GPS…are used—not only for precise positioning but also as powerful tools for probing Earth’s ionosphere…” She leads projects funded by major scientific agencies such as NASA.
Marc Moss specializes in pulmonary medicine: “Moss is an internationally recognized leader…whose pioneering research…have transformed care for critically ill patients…” He led studies improving outcomes for ICU patients while addressing health care provider resilience nationwide.
The announcement underscores ongoing efforts by the University of Colorado system to recognize faculty who advance knowledge through innovation or service within academia or broader communities.
