Indiana University has named five faculty members as distinguished professors, the most prestigious appointment offered to honor faculty whose outstanding scholarship, artistic or literary distinction, or other achievements have won significant recognition by peers.

Since its creation in 1953, 256 IU faculty members have been appointed as distinguished professor, 41 of which are women. Currently 86 faculty members and 57 emeritus faculty members hold the appointment.

In 1970, Anna Granville Hatcher was the first woman named a distinguished professor, for excellence in French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. In 1987, David N. Baker became the first African-American, appointed for his excellence in music.

“These five newly appointed distinguished professors are leaders in their fields who have reached national and international recognition for their research, scholarship and artistic contributions,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “Their breadth of expertise and their depth of knowledge demonstrate how Indiana University continues to impact people and communities around the globe.”