One of the highest awards the University can bestow upon a faculty member is that of William L. Giles Distinguished Professor. It is not a faculty rank but an honorary distinction. This recognition is based on distinguished scholarship as evidenced by a record of outstanding research, teaching, and service and is conferred only on a faculty member at Mississippi State University who has attained national or international status.

For the ceremony, see

http://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2016/04/eight-faculty-staff-memb...

For other Giles Distinguished Professors

http://www.giles.msstate.edu/