Five University of Michigan faculty members have been named Arthur F. Thurnau Professors in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to undergraduate education—including Center member Gary W. Harper.
Harper along with Stephen Berrey, Gregory J. Dick, Lisa H. Harris and Sally Oey will hold the Thurnau title for the duration of their careers at U-M and receive $20,000 to support activities that further enhance their teaching.
The Board of Regents approved the professorships on February 16, 2023. Their Thurnau appointments are effective July 1.
To become a Thurnau professor, faculty members must demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and learning, excellence and innovation in teaching, and dedication to working effectively with a diverse student body.
They also must have made an impact on student intellectual or artistic development and on their lives, and contributed to undergraduate education in ways that extend beyond the classroom, studio, or lab.
Harper played a central role in designing and implementing the School of Public Health’s first undergraduate degree program. He chaired the task force that developed the proposal for the program and rallied colleagues from all six departments within the school to unanimously approve the new degree.
Harper is a co-principal investigator for Student Opportunities for AIDS/HIV Research, the only pipeline program of its kind in the US, which provides a robust training environment for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups interested in research careers in this area.
Harper's model for Trauma-Informed Education for teaching during the pandemic has been shared widely with faculty at U-M and nationally. His student-centered approach and passion for teaching allow for deep learning as well as student enjoyment in his courses, lab, and programs.
The Arthur F. Thurnau Professorships were established in 1988. They are named after Thurnau, a U-M student from 1902-04. The Thurnau Charitable Trust, which was established through Thurnau’s will, provides support for the award.
Provost Laurie McCauley presented recommendations for the professorships and descriptions of each professor’s work and achievements to the Board of Regents. These summaries are taken from the provost’s recommendations.
