Two of the five Ohio University professors awarded the University Professor distinction are faculty members in the College of Arts & Sciences. Faculty members are nominated for their outstanding contributions to students and education at Ohio University. This year's recipients from the College of Arts and Sciences are Professor of Classics and Charles J. Ping Professor of Humanities Thomas Carpenter and Associate Professor of Economics Jan Palmer.

The University Professor program was established in 1970 as a way for students to recognize faculty they deem exceptional. Award recipients are nominated by student vote and chosen by a student committee that interviews the nominees and observes them teaching. Each University Professor receives $2,000 and teaches two classes on the topic of his or her choice.

Carpenter, a fourth-year humanities professor at the university and author of several books, said he is honored to receive the award. "The meaning of the award comes in that it is from the students," he said. "That's who I teach, that's who matters."

Palmer, who has taught at the university for 21 years and authored the book "Vinson Court's Conference Votes: Data & Analysis," appreciates the recognition from his students. "It's an honor to be recognized by my students and the selection committee," he said.