Penn State awards various awards and honors to faculty based on achievement that focuses on evidence of the superior scholarly or creative accomplishments. The title of Evan Pugh University Professor is the highest distinction that the University can bestow upon a faculty member, and faculty are selected because they have displayed the courage to pioneer in his or her field, the discipline to remain at the forefront of research, and the generosity of spirit to share these accomplishments with students. The maximum number of active Evan Pugh University Professorships University-wide shall not exceed one percent of the total number of tenured faculty at the rank of full professor. The current maximum number is twenty-five (25).
The title of Distinguished Professor is bestowed on full-time faculty members who hold the rank of professor and are acknowledged leaders in their fields of research or creative activity; demonstrate significant leadership in raising the University's standards in teaching, research, or creative activity and service; and exhibit excellent teaching skills.
Faculty Scholar Medals are given in recognition of scholarly excellence demonstrated by a single contribution or series of contributions focusing on a coherent theme.