The Drake University College of Arts & Sciences announces two new endowed professorships: the Mark J. Jarrett Professorship in Physics and the Marshall and Judith Flapan Professor of Biology. These $1 million named, endowed funds are major gifts and the first endowed professorships of The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold. They represent the highest honor a university can bestow on a faculty member and exemplify the donors’ commitment to higher education and the Drake community.
Mark J. Jarrett, LA’84, earned a bachelor’s degree in physics at Drake and a master’s degree in engineering physics/applied physics at Iowa State University. The Mark J. Jarrett Professorship in Physics will provide Drake’s Physics faculty and department with additional resources to support the study of physics, augment faculty scholarship, and enrich student experiences. In addition to recognizing an outstanding faculty member selected for the endowed professorship, the fund will support student engagement in undergraduate research activities, attract new students to Drake, support faculty research activities, and enhance the Physics curriculum.
Marshall Flapan, LA’59, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Drake and a medical degree at the University of Iowa. Judith Flapan, FA’89, earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Drake. The Marshall and Judith Flapan Professor of Biology will support and recognize outstanding faculty in the biological sciences, enabling them to make significant contributions to Drake University and its students. The first Marshall and Judith Flapan Professor of Biology will be named in 2023. The endowed fund will also support Drake student engagement in undergraduate research and related activities, support biology faculty research activities, and enhance the department’s teaching and research opportunities.