Ohio University President Roderick McDavis has named psychology professor Christopher France as OU’s 53rd Distinguished Professor.
The annual award, which recognizes OU professors for exceptional research and achievements, was established in 1958 and is considered the highest distinction for faculty members. France was officially named at OU’s graduate commencement ceremonies earlier this month.
“This was not something that I was surprised about,” said Robert Frank, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
With the designation, France will receive a $2,500 salary increase, one semester of research leave with $1,500 in travel or research funding and the designation of choosing an undergraduate student each year to receive a full tuition scholarship.
In addition, Distinguished Professors convene with McDavis and Provost Pam Benoit each semester to discuss university issues.
“Dr. France stood out as a candidate because of the significant humanitarian value of his study of the psychology of pain,” Mark Halliday, an English professor and the current chair of the Distinguished Professors, said in an email. ”The committee saw his career as very currently productive and energetic.”
France’s research has brought in nearly $7 million in grant funding, according to a university news release.
Committee members solicit nominations from fellow faculty members in the fall and present their final recommendation to President McDavis, who announces his decision each year at the spring graduate commencement ceremony.
“(France) joins a distinguished group of faculty at the university… and certainly he’s a very well deserved addition to that group,” Frank said.
France, who has been at OU for 23 years, has conducted research in various areas of psychology. His most recent student-assisted research involves understanding pain mechanisms and treatment and enhancing blood donor motivation. He was not available for an extended interview, as he is currently out of the country.
“With so many dedicated and deserving professors at Ohio University, it was a great honor to be selected,” France said in an email.
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