This week, it was my distinct pleasure to present the University Research Professorship Awards to 14 members of our faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research and creative work that addresses scientific, social, cultural, economic and health challenges in our region and around the world.

At a reception hosted by President Eli Capilouto at Maxwell Place, with their families, deans, associate deans for research and nominators on hand to celebrate with them, we had the opportunity to recognize and publicize the accomplishments of these scholars.

The University Research Professorships were established by the UK Board of Trustees in 1976 to recognize outstanding research achievements. The professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research, scholarship and creative endeavors within each college at UK. College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise, and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 to be used to further their research, scholarship and creative endeavors.

The impact of these faculty to the University, and to the Commonwealth, cannot be overstated. They are shining examples of the tireless work that is moving the research enterprise forward, creating new knowledge, discovering new cures, and empowering the next generation of scientists and scholars under their mentorship to change their world for the better.

The 2018-2019 University Research Professors are:

• David Van Sanford, Plant & Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
• Matthew Zook, Geography, College of Arts & Sciences
• Heide Gluesing-Luerssen, Mathematics, College of Arts & Sciences
• Nancy Grant Harrington, Communications, College of Communication and Information
• Jennifer Wilhelm, STEM Education, College of Education
• Rick Honaker, Mining Engineering, College of Engineering
• Herman Daniel Farrell III, Theater and Dance, College of Fine Arts
• Daniel Brass, Management, Gatton College of Business & Economics
• Brian Noehren, Rehabilitation Science, College of Health Sciences
• Richard C. Ausness, College of Law
• Sharon Walsh, Behavioral Science, College of Medicine
• Mark V. Williams, Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
• Jon Thorson, Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy
• Heather M. Bush, Biostatistics, College of Public Health