Oakland University has named the first recipients of the Doris and Paul Travis Professor Program. The award honors one faculty member from each of the following departments: Music, Theatre, Dance, and Art and Art History. The four recipients are selected for their outstanding accomplishments in teaching, research and/or professional services.

This year's Travis professors are Janice G. Schimmelman, professor of Art History; John-Paul White, professor of Music; Michael Gillespie, associate professor of Theatre; and Laurie Eisenhower, professor of Dance.

Each recipient receives an annual salary supplement of $5,000 and a faculty development fund of $1,700 per year for three years, after which new faculty members will be selected.

The award is named after Doris Eaton Travis and her late husband, Paul. Doris was a former Ziegfeld Follies girl and had a long career as a stage and film actress. At age 76, she attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in history at age 88.

Doris and Paul were friends of Alfred and Matilda Wilson, founders of Oakland University, and frequently visited Meadow Brook Hall while they lived in Michigan.