Michigan Ross Prof Among the Distinguished University Professors to Discuss Their Work at Special Event

Scott Page, a new professor this year at the Ross School of Business, will be one of three University of Michigan faculty members presenting their work and answering audience questions during the Distinguished University Professorship Event on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Being named a Distinguished University Professor is one of U-M’s highest honors. In a new format this year, the DUP lectures will be presented during a single event that starts at 4 p.m. in Robertson Auditorium at Ross. A reception will follow at 5:45 p.m. 

The speakers will be:

• Scott E. Page, whose presentation is titled “Cognitive Diversity and Collective Intelligence.”

Page was named last year as the John Seely Brown Distinguished University Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management. He also is the Williamson Family Professor of Business Administration and professor of management and organizations at Michigan Ross; and a professor of political science, complex systems, and economics in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

•  John M. Carethers, whose presentation is titled “Human Conditions from Defective DNA Mismatch Repair.”

Carethers was named in 2017 as the C. Richard Boland Distinguished University Professor of Internal Medicine and Human Genetics. He is also the John G. Searle Professor of Internal Medicine, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, and professor of internal medicine and of human genetics in the Medical School.

• Anna Suk-Fong Lok, whose presentation is titled “Elimination of Viral Hepatitis: A Tale of Two Viruses.”

Lok was named in 2019 as the Dame Sheila Sherlock Distinguished University Professor of Hepatology and Internal Medicine. She also is the Alice Lohrman Andrews Research Professor of Hepatology, assistant dean for clinical research, and professor of internal medicine in the Medical School.

The Board of Regents established the Distinguished University Professorships in 1947 to recognize senior faculty who have exceptional scholarly or creative achievements, national and international reputations for academic excellence, and superior records of teaching, mentoring, and service.

Each honoree, in consultation with their dean, names the professorship after a person of distinction in his or her field. Recipients also give an inaugural lecture that highlights their professional and scholarly experience.  

In the past, the lectures were held individually. This year, the recipients will each deliver a concise presentation and take audience questions before the event transitions to a reception honoring all of them.

Organizers said the new format is part of an effort to increase the breadth of the audience so more faculty, students, and members of the public can take advantage of the presentations and celebrate the Distinguished University Professorship recipients.

Additional DUP lectures are expected to be held in the fall. The Distinguished University Professorship Event is sponsored by the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and Office of the Dean of the Rackham Graduate School.