Seven faculty members from the University of Colorado have been recommended for designation as Distinguished Professors, the highest faculty honor within the four-campus CU system. The nominations, put forward by President Todd Saliman and endorsed by the Committee of Distinguished Professors, are scheduled for approval during a meeting of the CU Board of Regents at UCCS.
The title of Distinguished Professor recognizes tenured faculty who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in research or creative work, excellence in teaching and student mentorship, and significant service to their profession and university. Since its inception in 1977, a total of 160 individuals have received this recognition. This year’s honorees will be formally celebrated at Board of Regents meetings in 2026.
The 2025 cohort includes:
Kristen A. Carpenter, J.D., Council Tree Professor of Law and Director of the American Indian Law Program at CU Boulder’s Law School. Carpenter is noted for her work on property law, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ law. Her involvement with organizations such as the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has contributed to international policy changes regarding Indigenous rights. She has also played a key role in developing legal education programs focused on Indigenous issues at CU Boulder.
Russell Cropanzano, Ph.D., Ted G. Anderson Professor of Free Enterprise at Leeds School of Business, CU Boulder. Cropanzano’s research on organizational justice and behavioral ethics has influenced both academic thought and workplace practices globally. He has held leadership roles in several professional associations and edited major journals within his field.
Marcia Douglas, Ph.D., College Professor of Distinction and Associate Chair for Creative Writing in CU Boulder’s Department of English. Douglas is recognized for her contributions to Afro-Caribbean literature through novels, poetry, documentaries, and performances that explore identity and culture.
Noah D. Finkelstein, Ph.D., Professor of Physics; Co-Founder and Director at Center for STEM Learning; Co-PI with Physics Education Research Group at CU Boulder. Finkelstein’s research focuses on improving science education through evidence-based methods and institutional change initiatives that promote inclusive learning environments across STEM disciplines.
Karl G. Linden, Ph.D., Mortensen Professor in Sustainable Development; Chair of Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder. Linden is an expert in water treatment technologies whose research on ultraviolet disinfection systems has informed international standards for safe drinking water.
Jade Morton, Ph.D., Helen and Hubert Croft Professor in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder. Morton leads advancements in satellite navigation technology used for Earth observation as well as atmospheric studies; she holds advisory positions with government agencies related to GPS infrastructure.
Marc Moss, M.D., Roger S. Mitchell Professor at the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Moss is known for his clinical research on critical care medicine—specifically factors affecting patient recovery—and advocacy around clinician well-being.
According to university officials: “CU Distinguished Professors are tenured faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work; a record of excellence in promoting learning and student attainment of knowledge and skills; and outstanding service to the profession, the university and its affiliates.”
This year’s group brings diverse expertise spanning law reform for Indigenous communities to advances in environmental engineering solutions addressing global water challenges.
