Weinberg Institute Director Rick Lewis, the John R. Anderson Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences, has been named an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to undergraduate education.
Professor Lewis is one of five U-M faculty recipients, approved by the U-M Board of Regents on February 18. Other 2021 recipients are Branko Kerkez, Sarah C. Koch, Stephen M. Ward, and M. Remi Yergeau.
Thurnau professors retain the title throughout their careers and receive $20,000 to support activities that further enhance their teaching.
Provost Susan M. Collins presented recommendations for the professorships that included descriptions of each honoree’s work and achievements.
From The University Record:
Professor Lewis, the John R. Anderson Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences, and professor of psychology and of linguistics in LSA, has collaborated since 2005 with faculty colleagues on creating programs that draw students into interdisciplinary quests to understand the human mind.
A central figure in creating the cognitive science undergraduate major, Lewis has directed the Weinberg Institute since 2017.
“Drawing on courses in computer science, linguistics, psychology and philosophy, the new program has become one of the top 15 majors in LSA in just six years,” the description of his work said. “Remarkably, its growth has not drawn students away from existing majors. Instead, it is welcoming and empowering new students to explore these fields, especially women.”
