Four Grinnell professors installed into named positions
February 18, 2026 — Four Grinnell College professors whose teaching, research, and service have been transformative and inspiring were honored in front of their peers Feb. 5 at the 2026 Named Chairs and Professorships Ceremony.
Four faculty members were installed into the following positions:
- Karla Erickson, Rosenfield Professor of Social Studies.
- David Harrison, Orville and Mary Patterson Routt Professor in Literature
- Vida Praitis, Rosenthal Professor of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- John Thabiti Willis, Kesho Scott Endowed Chair in African Diaspora Studies
John Thabiti Willis, Karla Erickson, Vida Praitis, and David Harrison
Endowed chairs and professorships recognize exceptional faculty members while simultaneously reflecting the enduring generosity and values of alumni and friends whose gifts strengthen Grinnell’s academic mission for generations to come.
“Karla, David, Vida and Thabiti — on behalf of the entire College community, I offer my gratitude and admiration for your presence, brilliance, and dedication in amplifying and perpetuating Grinnell’s tradition of extraordinary teaching, learning, and scholarship,” said President Anne F. Harris during her ceremony remarks.
The event, which was held at Herrick Chapel, also included an introduction of the professors by Ruth Feingold, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, and the conferring of appointments by Angela Onwuachi-Willig ’94, chair of the Grinnell College Trustees Academic Affairs Committee. A community reception followed the event.
—by Jeremy Shapiro