Oakland University’s Board of Trustees approved the title of “distinguished professor” for long-time faculty member Paul Tomboulian of the Department of Chemistry.

Tomboulian was appointed as a charter faculty member in 1959 and was the university’s first and only chemistry professor at that time. He subsequently served as department chair for 35 years and is credited with many firsts including OU’s first research grant, initiated the first undergraduate research program and introduced the first science-based environmental health major in Michigan.

Apart from these substantial contributions, Tomboulian is widely known for his work in ecological studies. He also has taken on the task of creating an oral history of Oakland University by making audio and video records for the ongoing OU Chronicles Project.

In 1988, the OU Board of Trustees created the faculty rank of distinguished professor. Upon recommendation of the president and provost, the board may appoint individuals to the rank of distinguished professor. The president and provost base their recommendation to the board on the advice of a nine-member selection committee comprised of senior faculty members. The criteria for the appointments are based on preeminence in scholarship, teaching and public or professional service.

Only 10 faculty members have received the distinguished professor rank. They are Gertrude White (English), George Matthews (history), G. Mennen Williams (political science), Lazlo Hetenyi (education), Karl Gregory (business administration), Venkat Reddy (Eye Research Institute) Jack Moeller (modern languages), Sheldon Appleton (political science), Ronald Cramer (education) and Jane Eberwein (English).