Written by Abigail Marshall
KSU Diviion of Commuications and Marketing
Four Kansas State University faculty have been bestowed the lifetime title of University Distinguished Professor, the highest faculty title given by the university, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to K-State's land-grant mission, their professions and their communities.
The 2026 honorees are Marcellus Caldas, professor of geography and geospatial science in the College of Arts and Sciences; Bala Natarajan, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering; Jeffrey Pickering, professor of political science in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Artem Rudenko, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
UDPs are appointed following a universitywide nomination and evaluation process facilitated by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. The four newly appointed UDPs will receive a personalized plaque and medallion during K-State's fall 2026 commencement ceremonies.