UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University is seeking nominees for the role of 2025-26 Penn State Laureate, with nominations due by Friday, Dec. 6.

The endowed annual position of Penn State Laureate was established in 2008 to bring greater visibility to the arts and humanities — a thematic priority in Penn State’s strategic plan — and the honoree’s work and to enrich the University.

The Penn State Laureate is a full-time faculty member who is assigned half-time to this role for one academic year. The Laureate has opportunities throughout the year to bring his or her artistic perspectives to a variety of audiences, including visits to Commonwealth Campuses and communities statewide.

The 2024-25 Penn State Laureate, Michele Dunleavy, is a professor of dance, whose tenure as Penn State Laureate is focusing on further bridging the gap between the arts and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. Her work with the For Good Troupe, alongside her contributions to disability-affirmative theater and dance, showcases her belief in the transformative power of the arts for individuals of all abilities.

Nominations for the 2025-26 Penn State Laureate are encouraged from across the University, and self-nominations are welcome. The nomination process consists of providing the name, unit and campus of the person being nominated and the name of the nominator (should there be any). Nominations can be submitted via Microsoft Form by Dec. 6. Those who are nominated will be informed by Dec. 16, at which time additional information will be provided regarding the gathering and submission of the materials necessary for continuing in the Laureate selection process. Final materials will be due Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

A list of past Penn State Laureates is available on the website of the Office of Faculty Affairs.

For questions about the Penn State Laureate program, contact Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs, at acc13@psu.edu.