The title of Distinguished University Professor is the highest appointment bestowed on a faculty member at UMB. It is a recognition not just of excellence, but also of impact and significant contribution to the nominee’s field, knowledge, profession, and/or practice.

Here are the 2026 Distinguished University Professors:

Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP

Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP

Dr. William and Carol Carpenter Professor in Psychiatry for Mental Illness Research Director, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Deanna Kelly is an internationally renowned clinician-scientist and one of the world’s leading experts in schizophrenia, psychopharmacology, and innovative approaches to the treatment of seri... Read More

Eun-Shim Nahm, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Eun-Shim Nahm, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health
Associate Dean, PhD Program
University of Maryland School of Nursing

Eun-Shim Nahm is internationally recognized as a leader in nursing informatics education, research, and practice. She has made significant contributions as a teacher and mentor, overseeing the deve... Read More

Thomas M. Scalea, MD

Thomas M. Scalea, MD

Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery
Director, Program in Shock and Trauma
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Thomas Scalea is globally recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential trauma surgeons of his generation whose contributions in trauma research, education, and clinical practice have ... Read More

Michael P. Van Alstine, JD

Michael P. Van Alstine, JD

Francis King Carey Professor in Business Law
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Michael Van Alstine is an influential legal scholar working at the intersection of international law and domestic law, with expertise in how domestic courts interpret and apply treaties, especially... Read More

HongBing Wang, PhD

HongBing Wang, PhD

Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Hongbing Wang is an internationally recognized leader in drug metabolism, xenobiotic receptors, and drug-induced liver injury whose work has reshaped how pharmacy researchers understand and predict... Read More

Huakun Xu, PhD, MS, FADM

Huakun Xu, PhD, MS, FADM

Professor and Chair, Department of Biomaterials and Regenerative Dental Medicine
University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Huakun Xu has been a transformative force in the field of dental biomaterials and regenerative medicine since joining the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) faculty in 2007. Dr. Xu&... Read More