Honorary titles

The University grants a variety of different honorary titles:

Honorary faculty titles include distinguished professor, distinguished service professor, emeritus/emerita, university professor, and Hillberry university professor. 

Distinguished professor and distinguished service professor are used to designate senior members of the university faculty who have made extraordinary contributions.  These titles are conferred by the President upon the advice of the Provost, following approval by the Board of Governors.

Emeritus/emerita status is granted to retired faculty (tenured and non-tenured) and academic staff (tenured and employment security status) who have been employed by Wayne State University for at least ten (10) years.  Emeritus/Ermita status may also be granted to a Dean at the conclusion of their administrative appointment. 

University professor and Hillberry university professor are used to honor faculty for a specific term of years, subject to periodic review and reappointment at the recommendation of the President, following approval by the Board of Governors.