Princeton University invites nominations for the Stanley Kelley, Jr., Visiting Professorship for Distinguished Teaching for the academic year 2026–27.

Established in 2001 by an anonymous donor, the Stanley Kelley, Jr., Visiting Professorship supports multiple distinguished visitors in any field within the University. The visitor will teach at least one undergraduate course during the academic year, possibly collaborating with a regular faculty member. The visitor will also undertake activities that contribute to the life of the department or the University by focusing on the art and craft of teaching well.

Possible projects include seminars to improve teaching at Princeton, workshops for faculty and graduate students focused on teaching practices that bridge cultural gaps, demonstration lectures, lunch discussions, or classroom visits. The plan for the visitor's activities can be customized to the needs of the hosting department. Departments may propose candidates they might be interested in recruiting as permanent faculty members. This is not, however, a requirement of the program.

Each appointment carries with it three components: full salary and benefits (within our regular policies) for the visitor, over and above the department's regular FTE allocation; a fund of $5,000 to support the visitor's teaching-related activities during the year; and a $5,000 allotment for departmental costs related to the VPDT's appointment.

Nominations

Nominations should be received by Oct. 18, 2025, and will be reviewed by the VPDT committee. Applications should include the following information:

1. Department's letter of nomination, which states the candidate's qualifications for an appointment as a distinguished teacher, outlines the plan for integrating the visiting professor into the undergraduate teaching program of the department and the University, and identifies the faculty member(s) who will work closely and collaboratively with the visitor;
2. CV of the nominee; and
3. Letters and/or evaluations documenting the nominee's teaching skills.

Nominations should be sent to Oliver Avens, associate dean for academic affairs.