Connie Sung’s Appointment Highlights a Legacy of Disability Justice at U-M
The University of Michigan marked a significant milestone on June 12, 2025, with the appointment of Connie Sung as the inaugural Annmarie Hawkins Research Professor in Disability Justice. This appointment not only celebrates Sung’s extensive contributions as a rehabilitation counselor and researcher but also honors the lifelong advocacy work of Annmarie Hawkins.
This professorship ensures that Hawkins’s impact on the field of disability justice continues to inspire future research and action at the university. Named professorships at U-M hold a century-long tradition of fostering research and perpetuating the values of their namesakes, offering an enduring impact on academia and society.
A Unique Approach to Professorship Funding
Unlike traditional endowed professorships, the Annmarie Hawkins Professorship is supported through a term-based funding model. This structure is funded by expendable gifts, providing support for up to five years. Conor Neville, director of campaign operations, noted that term professorships offer donors immediate impact without the constraints of endowment contributions.
“Annmarie Hawkins has been a true change agent for disability justice across four decades of service and impact,” stated Neil Hawkins, Annmarie’s husband. “Her advocacy and service for people with disabilities has made a significant difference for thousands of people. This research professorship in her honor has real potential to extend her impact through the work of Dr. Sung and the University of Michigan.”
Dean Beth Angell of the School of Social Work expressed gratitude for the Hawkins family’s choice to fund a term professorship, emphasizing that both expendable and endowed professorships are critical for attracting top talent.
U-M’s Tradition of Named Professorships
The University of Michigan’s custom of establishing named professorships began over a century ago, with a notable bequest from Elizabeth Bates in 1898. Her contribution established the Bates Professorship of the Diseases of Women and Children, setting a precedent for future endowed professorships, which are supported by large gifts.
Currently, U-M holds approximately 750 endowed professorships, most located in the Medical School, funded by donor gifts or a mix of donor and university sources. The Annmarie Hawkins Professorship reflects a modern approach with its term-based model.
Significance and Impact of Named Professorships
Named professorships provide significant prestige and are instrumental in advancing research and teaching. While the funding benefits vary, these positions invariably honor the legacy of their namesakes, such as Elizabeth Bates and Annmarie Hawkins, who prioritized equity and service.
Connie Sung, who will be officially installed on September 18, embraces these values wholeheartedly. “It is an incredible honor to carry forward Annmarie Hawkins’ legacy of advancing disability rights and inclusion,” Sung stated. “This professorship gives me the vital support and opportunity to work hand-in-hand with community members, advocates, policymakers, and fellow researchers.”
Her work aims to create research-informed interventions that empower marginalized communities, turning academic insights into tangible changes for those often overlooked.
