The Syracuse University Board of Trustees has approved two new Distinguished Professors.

Christopher DeCorse, professor and chair of anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Lori Brown, professor in the School of Architecture, have been recognized for exemplary stature in their respective academic fields. The Distinguished Professorship is one of the highest honors awarded faculty at Syracuse University.

“This is a well-deserved honor for two professors who have made exemplary contributions not only to their disciplines, but also to their schools, to the University and, most importantly, to their students and former students,” says Gretchen Ritter, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer. “Lori and Chris have done transformational work in teaching, research and scholarship and are stellar examples of academic excellence at Syracuse.”

DeCorse is an internationally recognized archaeologist who specializes in the topics of pre-colonial and colonial West Africa, the Atlantic world and the transatlantic slave trade. His pioneering work in both archaeology and anthropology includes his landmark scholarship on contact in early modern Africa. His 10 books and edited volumes are considered foundational materials in archaeology. He is recognized for launching the careers of an entire generation of archaeologists, particularly those from West Africa, and for his mentorship of graduate students. He has held multiple leadership roles at the Maxwell School. His research has been funded by numerous prominent sources, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation and National Geographic.

Distinguished Professorship candidates are nominated by deans and reviewed by Provost Ritter, an internal faculty committee and external referees. Nominees are affirmed by the Board of Trustees.

Read the full article via the SU News website.

By Diane Stirling