Head professor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Head professor" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered standard terminology.
It can be used to refer to a leading or senior professor in a specific department or academic field, but "head" is more often associated with positions like "department head" or "chair." Example: "As the head professor of the biology department, Dr. Smith oversees all research initiatives and curriculum development."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In 1899, the title of Head Professor was changed to Professor and Head of Department; in 1911 the title was again changed to Chair of Department.

University of Chicago

"Aristide is a real hard head," Professor Prou said.

The New York Times

"Sad to say, Steinbeck couldn't get Hemingway's music out of his head," Professor Bloom said.

The New York Times - Books

We were all warmly received by the department head, Professor J. P. Den Hartog, and his wife.

MIT Technology Review

With the possible penalty of perjury over his head, Professor Kutler said, "My guess is he told those people the truth".

The New York Times

Following her death he married her older sister, a very pious and learned woman whom he had previously installed as the head professor in an important Buddhist monastery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Rogers goes on to show Obama how this personal-attack stuff should be done, calling him Obama an "arugula-eating, pointy headed professor-type".

Huffington Post

Christopher A. Schuh, department head and professor, materials science and engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

TJB is a head associate professor (Rtd). in the Department of Physics at the Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

SG is a head associate professor (Rtd). in the Department of Physics at the Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

KIM, Peter S.; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; member, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research; and associate head and professor, department of biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "Head professor", consider the specific context and aim for clarity. Using terms like "department chair" or "department head" might be more widely understood.

Common error

Avoid using "Head professor" excessively in academic or professional writing. While grammatically acceptable, it might not be the most common or recognized term, potentially causing confusion or sounding unusual. Opt for alternatives like "department head" or "chair of department" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Head professor" functions as a noun phrase identifying an individual who is both a professor and the head of a department or program. Ludwig examples show it appearing in institutional histories and job titles, implying an administrative role in addition to teaching and research.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

60%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Head professor" identifies a professor who also leads a department. Ludwig suggests it's acceptable but less common than alternatives like "department head" or "department chair". While grammatically sound, favoring more common phrases ensures clarity in formal writing. Contexts are primarily academic, news, and scientific. When using "Head professor", consider the audience and aim for the most widely understood term. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in specific institutional histories and job titles, implying the phrase specifies an administrative role on top of teaching and research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Department chair

Replaces "head professor" with a more common term for the administrative leader of an academic department.

Chair of department

Similar to "department chair", emphasizing the leadership role.

Department head

A standard term for the person in charge of a university department.

Lead professor

Indicates a professor who takes a leading role in a particular area or project.

Senior professor

Refers to a professor with extensive experience and seniority.

Principal professor

Highlights a professor who holds a position of primary importance within a department.

Director of studies

Focuses on the administrative role of coordinating academic programs.

Professor in charge

Specifies a professor who is responsible for managing a particular activity or program.

Presiding professor

Emphasizes the professor's role in chairing meetings or committees.

Chief academic officer

Broader term referring to a top-level administrator overseeing academic affairs.

FAQs

What is another way to say "Head professor"?

Alternative terms include "department chair", "department head", or "lead professor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "Head professor" the same as "Professor"?

No, "Head professor" implies an administrative role in addition to professorial duties. A standard "Professor" may not have these administrative responsibilities.

When should I use "Head professor" vs "Department head"?

"Department head" is generally a more widely recognized and frequently used term for the person in charge of an academic department. "Head professor" might be suitable in specific institutional contexts where it's the established title.

What are the responsibilities of a "Head professor"?

Responsibilities typically include overseeing department operations, managing faculty, developing curriculum, and representing the department within the institution.