Everett Named First University Professor

Daniel Everett, chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, has been named Illinois State University's first University Professor.  The newly-created title honors faculty members who are nationally recognized scholars and teachers.  The title of University Professor will be officially bestowed upon Everett at Illinois State's Founders Day Convocation on Thursday, Feb. 18.

"Dr. Everett's body of work has received worldwide attention and respect, and I can't think of a more deserving candidate for this prestigious honor," said President Al Bowman. 

Everett completed his Ph.D. in linguistics at the State University of Campinas in Brazil and taught at that institution from 1980 to1986.  From there he moved to the University of Pittsburgh where he was a professor of linguistics and anthropology and chair of the Department of Linguistics.  He accepted a professorship in phonetics and phonology at the University of Manchester, England, in 2000 and served there until moving to Illinois State to become chair of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in 2006.

Everett's research has concluded that human language is not an innate characteristic of our species but that it is developed in each individual based on general human intelligence, problem solving, and cultural learning, contradicting the most widespread theory of language to date.  Everett has published more than 90 articles and six books. His latest book has been translated into six languages and published in eight countries. Profiles about Everett's research have been published in the New Yorker Magazine, New Scientist, GEO Magazine, Gehirn & Geist, Scientific American Mind and Science News.

The designation of University Professor enables Illinois State to honor individual faculty members or administrators who hold the rank of full professor and who have achieved national recognition for scholarly research, creative production or leadership in creative or scholarly activities.  Individuals who are identified by students, colleagues or external agencies as outstanding teachers are also eligible for the title. 

Up to two University Professors can be appointed each year from within the Illinois State community, with the recipients holding the title throughout their years of service at the University.  Appointments to University Professor may also be made to help recruit outstanding faculty members from other colleges or universities.  The title, endorsed by Illinois State's Academic Senate, is a companion honor to the long-standing Distinguished Professor designation.