Kansas University Provost Jeff Vitter has chosen three faculty members as the university’s newest distinguished professors.

The appointments of Jeff Aubé, medicinal chemistry; Ann Cudd, philosophy; and Maryemma Graham, English, will become effective at the start of the fall semester.

“This title is a very significant honor, and I am pleased to recognize three of our finest faculty members through this award,” Vitter said in a written statement. “Appointment as a University Distinguished Professor is a reflection of many valued accomplishments and contributions to KU, which range from excellence in the classroom to ground-breaking research.”

The appointments come after a change in the way KU appoints university distinguished professors. Previously, the university filled the spots when a position became vacant but will now consider nominations once every two years.

The distinguished professorships come with a $15,000 stipend that is permanently added to the professors’ salary, said Gavin Young, a KU spokesman.