Perkins Professor of Astronomy and Mathematics

Perkins Professor of Astronomy and Mathematics. The Perkins Professor of Astronomy and Mathematics is a distinguished endowed chair at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. Established in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest continuously held professorships in astronomy in the United States. The position is supported by the historic endowment from the Perkins family and is intrinsically linked to the university's Perkins Observatory.

History of the Perkins Professorship

The professorship was formally established in 1870 through a generous bequest from the estate of Hiram Perkins, a prominent Ohio educator and mathematician. Perkins, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and later a professor there, dedicated a significant portion of his wealth to advance the study of the sciences at his alma mater. His vision was to create a permanent faculty position that would unite the disciplines of astronomy and mathematics, reflecting his own academic passions. The creation of the chair preceded the construction of the Perkins Observatory, which was completed over five decades later. This sequence cemented the professorship as the intellectual cornerstone for astronomical study at the institution, guiding its development through the eras of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Space Age.

Appointment and Endowment

Appointment to the Perkins Professorship is a high academic honor at Ohio Wesleyan University, typically reserved for a senior scholar with a distinguished record in astronomical research and teaching. The selection process involves the university's Board of Trustees and senior academic leadership, often in consultation with the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Mathematics. The position is funded by the original Perkins family endowment, which has been managed and grown over more than a century. The endowment's proceeds support the professor's salary, research activities, and related academic initiatives, ensuring the position's independence and longevity. This financial stability has allowed holders to pursue long-term research projects and mentor generations of students.

Notable Perkins Professors

The roster of Perkins Professors includes several influential figures in American astronomy. The first holder was Hiram Perkins himself, who served until his death. A pivotal figure was Herbert A. Howe, who held the chair for over three decades and was instrumental in the planning and early operation of the Perkins Observatory. Later, C. H. Cleminshaw made significant contributions during the mid-20th century. In the modern era, the position has been held by Arthur R. Upgren and, since 2015, by Karen J. Meech. Meech, an astronomer renowned for her work on comets and the early Solar System, brought international recognition to the post through her leadership on the NASA Deep Impact mission and studies of the interstellar object ʻOumuamua.

Academic and Research Focus

Holders of the professorship have historically conducted research spanning observational astronomy, celestial mechanics, and astrophysics. Early work involved precise astrometry and the study of double stars, utilizing the telescopes at the Perkins Observatory. Throughout the 20th century, research expanded to include stellar spectroscopy, galaxy classification, and variable star analysis. Contemporary research under the current professor, Karen J. Meech, focuses on the physical properties of comets, the formation of planetary systems, and the characterization of minor planets. The professor also plays a central role in the university's curriculum, teaching advanced courses in astronomy and physics and supervising student research projects.

Relationship with Perkins Observatory

The professorship is administratively and functionally linked to the Perkins Observatory, a key facility for the university's science programs. The professor typically serves as the director or principal investigator for the observatory, overseeing its instrumentation and research programs. This partnership was central to the vision of Hiram Perkins and Herbert A. Howe. While the original observatory site is now operated by the Columbus Astronomical Society, the university maintains a modern research telescope at its Anderson Observatory. The Perkins Professor leads observational campaigns, often involving collaborations with major institutions like the University of Hawaii and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, ensuring the legacy of the endowment continues to contribute to forefront astronomical discovery.

Category:Academic chairs in the United States Category:Ohio Wesleyan University Category:Astronomy awards and honors