University Distinguished Professors
The title of University Distinguished Professor (UDP) is the highest academic honor bestowed upon a faculty member at North Dakota State University. This prestigious designation recognizes individuals who exemplify the very best of NDSU’s mission as the state’s land-grant, R1 university, embodying a legacy of excellence that extends beyond their own disciplines and into the broader academic community.
University Distinguished Professors have an exceptional record of achievement, demonstrating sustained, high-quality contributions across research and creative activity, teaching and service, in alignment with their faculty role. More than a recognition of past accomplishments, this distinction signifies an expectation of continued intellectual leadership, mentorship and transformative impact. Beyond scholarly excellence, a UDP upholds the highest standards of integrity, character and institutional leadership, influencing not only their field but also shaping the future of the university and the broader society it serves.
Michael D. Robinson
Distinguished Professor of Psychology, 2025 Recipient
Robinson is one of NDSU’s most prolific and cited researchers. He joined NDSU in 2001 and is recognized internationally for his work in personality, emotion, and social cognition. Robinson has published more than 300 scholarly works, including books and journal articles, and has served as editor for leading psychology journals such as Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and other agencies, and his work has been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, and other media outlets. Robinson’s mentorship of students has led many to successful academic careers, and his teaching excellence has earned him multiple college and university awards for research, mentoring, and scholarship. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1990, and his doctorate from the University of California, Davis in 1996.
Allan Ashworth
Distinguished Professor of Geosciences (Emeritus) - 2007 Recipient
Ashworth, who joined NDSU in 1972, teaches and conducts research in paleontology and stratigraphy. He has made four research trips to Antarctica, and was recently notified by the New Zealand Geographic Board that a glacier on the icy continent has been named in his honor. Ashworth chairs the U.S. National Committee for the International Union for Quaternary Research. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the University of Birmingham, England. His many honors include being named a James A. Meier Senior Professor, Mortar Board Preferred Professor, NDSU Faculty Lectureship and Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Professor.
Thomas Isern
Distinguished Professor of History and Religion, 2007 Recipient
A specialist in the history of the Great Plains, Isern is the author or co-author of six books in the field, including “Dakota Circle: Excursions on the True Plains.” He is well known across North Dakota for his weekly feature on Prairie Public Radio, “Plains Folk,” devoted to the folklife of our region. He is the founding director of NDSU’s Center for Heritage Renewal. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and his master’s degree and doctorate from Oklahoma State University. Isern joined NDSU in 1992, and his previous honors include the Outstanding Educator Award of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the Peltier Award for Innovative Teaching; and the Fargo Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Professorship.
Jo Ann Miller
Distinguished Professor of Music (Emeritus), 2008 Recipient
Miller joined NDSU’s faculty in 1989 as director of choral activities. She conducted the Concert Choir and University Chorus and taught undergraduate and graduate conducting and literature courses. She also served as the graduate coordinator for NDSU’s Master of Music and Doctor of Music Arts programs. Prior to coming to NDSU, Miller was on the music faculty at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she founded the La Crosse Chamber Chorale. She earned her bachelor’s degree from NDSU, master’s degree from the University of North Dakota and doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music. Most recently, on March 15, 2025, Miller led a choir composed of her former students in a performance of Randall Thompson’s Frostiana: Seven Country Songs, presented in collaboration with the Wagner College Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
William Perrizo
Distinguished Professor of Computer Science (Emeritus, deceased), 2007 Recipient
Perrizo joined NDSU in 1973. His vita lists 45 journal papers, 146 refereed conference and symposium proceedings papers and four books and book chapters. He holds two patents. Perizzo was the team leader of the 2002 Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Knowledge Discovery and Data (KDD) Mining Cup winning team for task two and the team leader of the 2006 ACM KDD Cup winning team for task three. He also received the 2007 Best Paper Award at the International Society of Computers and Their Applications Conference on Computers and Their Applications. Perrizo earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, Minn., his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his doctorate from the University of Minnesota.
Mukund Sibi
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2007 Recipient
Sibi, a recognized leader in the area of synthetic organic chemistry, came to NDSU in 1987. Sibi's vita lists 153 publications, eight patents and four book reviews. He was the invited speaker or gave the plenary lecture at 57 special symposiums, and he has given 157 invited seminar presentations. His many honors include the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for 2008, the James M. Meier Professorship, Dale Hogoboom Endowed Professor, Jordon A. Engberg Professorship and Waldron Award for Excellence in Research. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Bangalore University, India, and his doctorate from the City University of New York.