Sterling Professor

Johnwilliamsterling

Sterling Professor is the highest academic rank at Yale University, awarded to a tenured faculty member considered to be among the best in their field. The title is named after John William Sterling, a Yale alumnus and benefactor, whose bequest in 1918 established the endowment for these prestigious professorships.

History[edit | edit source]

The Sterling Professorships were established in 1920, following the bequest of John William Sterling, a prominent lawyer and member of the Yale Class of 1864. Sterling left a substantial portion of his estate to Yale, with the stipulation that the funds be used to support the university's faculty and academic programs. The first Sterling Professorships were awarded in 1921.

Criteria and Selection[edit | edit source]

Sterling Professors are selected based on their exceptional scholarship, teaching, and contributions to their respective fields. The selection process is highly competitive and involves rigorous evaluation by peers and university officials. The title is held for life, and there are typically around 27 Sterling Professors at any given time.

Notable Sterling Professors[edit | edit source]

Over the years, many distinguished scholars have been named Sterling Professors. Some notable examples include:

Paul Samuelson, an economist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.
Harold Bloom, a literary critic and author known for his work on the Western canon.
James Tobin, another Nobel laureate in economics, known for his contributions to Keynesian economics.

Impact and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Sterling Professorships have significantly enhanced Yale's academic reputation by attracting and retaining world-class scholars. These professors often lead groundbreaking research, publish influential works, and mentor the next generation of scholars and professionals.