Seven University of Colorado faculty members have been selected as Distinguished Professors, the institution’s highest recognition for tenured faculty. The CU Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on their appointments during a meeting at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). This group was recommended by President Todd Saliman with support from the systemwide Committee of Distinguished Professors.
The title of Distinguished Professor is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional achievement in research or creative work, excellence in teaching and student mentorship, and significant service to their profession and the university. Since its creation in 1977, 160 individuals have received this honor.
This year’s honorees 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 College Professor of Distinction, Associate Chair for Creative Writing at CU Boulder.
– Noah D. Finkelstein, Ph.D., Professor of Physics; Co-Founder and Director, Center for STEM Learning; Co-PI, Physics Education Research Group at CU Boulder.
– Karl G. Linden, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Engineering and Mortensen Professor in Sustainable Development; Chair, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder.
– Jade Morton, Ph.D., Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences and Helen and Hubert Croft Professor at Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, CU Boulder.
– Marc Moss, M.D., Roger S. Mitchell Professor of Medicine-Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at CU Anschutz.
Kristen Carpenter is recognized for her work in property law, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ law. “As a founding architect of methodologies to ‘implement’ human rights,” according to the university statement, “Carpenter has helped shape theory and practice at the intersection of domestic law and policy and international human rights frameworks.” She has served as a member and Chair-Rapporteur for the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) and contributed to U.S. federal policy on intellectual property treaties addressing biopiracy.
Russell Cropanzano’s research focuses on organizational justice, behavioral ethics, and employee well-being. “His pioneering work on Fairness Theory and Social Exchange Theory has reshaped how organizations understand motivation, equity and moral behavior at work.” He has held leadership roles in several professional organizations including serving as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Management.
Marcia Douglas is noted for her contributions to Afro-Caribbean literature through novels such as “The Jamaica Kollection of the Shante Dream Arkive” as well as her poetry collection “Electricity Comes to Cocoa Bottom.” “Her creative work also includes the award-winning documentary ‘Reimagining Queen Nanny,’ which she co-wrote and narrated,” according to the release.
Noah Finkelstein’s efforts have focused on transforming science education through research into learning environments in physics. “His pioneering work has transformed the way science is taught,” states the university release. Finkelstein serves as director for both the Center for STEM Learning at CU Boulder and national advisory boards related to science education reform.
Karl Linden’s research has advanced ultraviolet (UV) technologies for water treatment worldwide. The press release notes that his group’s innovations have influenced design standards globally: “His groundbreaking work has advanced fundamental understanding of how light-based processes can disinfect pathogens…leading to safer drinking water.”
Jade Morton specializes in satellite navigation systems used for both positioning technology and Earth observation applications: “Her innovations in software-defined GNSS receivers…have advanced reliability…of satellite-based positioning systems worldwide.”
Marc Moss is recognized for his research into pulmonary medicine—particularly factors affecting recovery from critical illness—and his advocacy regarding healthcare provider well-being: “His groundbreaking work has identified specific risk factors…that alter trajectory…of critical illness,” according to university officials.
Formal celebrations honoring these faculty will be held during Board meetings in 2026 with dates yet to be announced.
