In recent years, universities, both public and private, have increasingly appointed distinguished personalities from government, industry, business, the professions and civil society as adjunct professors, adjunct distinguished professors or eminent scholars.
At their best, these appointments serve an important purpose. They strengthen the relationship between universities and society, expose students to real-world expertise, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and create opportunities for research, innovation and public engagement.
However, the growing practice has also attracted increasing scrutiny. One question frequently raised within academic circles is both simple and legitimate: What truly qualifies an individual to be recognised as a scholar?
This is not a question of elitism or academic exclusivity. Rather, it is about preserving the integrity, credibility and meaning of academic titles.
A university is more than an institution that awards degrees. It is a community dedicated to the creation, preservation, discussion and dissemination of knowledge. Academic titles therefore carry profound significance. They represent intellectual achievement, scholarly contribution, ethical leadership and a lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge for the benefit of society.
An adjunct professor or eminent scholar should therefore be far more than a successful entrepreneur, corporate leader, politician or philanthropist. Financial success and generosity are certainly commendable, but they are not, by themselves, evidence of scholarship.
Scholarship is demonstrated through sustained intellectual contributions. It is reflected in original ideas, critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, influential publications, policy development, innovation, teaching, mentorship and meaningful engagement with society. A genuine scholar possesses not only expertise but also the ability to question assumptions, generate new knowledge and inspire future generations.
Many individuals outside academia unquestionably meet these standards. Distinguished judges, physicians, engineers, scientists, economists, diplomats, artists, writers, public servants and industry leaders have made extraordinary intellectual contributions that deserve academic recognition. Their experience enriches universities precisely because it is grounded in knowledge, innovation and public service.
The concern arises when appointments appear to be driven primarily by financial considerations.
Universities worldwide face mounting financial pressures. Competition for funding, declining public allocations and the need to sustain research have encouraged institutions to strengthen relationships with philanthropists and corporate partners. There is nothing inherently wrong with recognising generous benefactors. Indeed, philanthropy has played an essential role in the development of many of the world’s leading universities.
However, recognition for philanthropy should remain exactly that – recognition for philanthropy.
Universities have numerous meaningful ways to honour generous donors. Buildings, libraries, lecture halls, scholarships, research centres, endowed chairs and student funds can all appropriately bear the names of benefactors whose generosity has transformed an institution. Such recognition celebrates their contributions without blurring the distinction between financial support and academic achievement.
Academic appointments, however, should never become symbolic rewards for donations, influence or prestige. Once that perception takes hold, the credibility of the university itself begins to erode.
Students naturally look up to professors as intellectual role models. Faculty members devote decades to postgraduate education, research, publication, supervision and academic service before earning senior academic titles. When honorary academic appointments appear disconnected from scholarly accomplishment, they risk diminishing the value of those titles and undermining morale within the academic community.
Ultimately, the issue is one of standards rather than status.
Universities should adopt transparent and rigorous criteria for appointing adjunct professors and eminent scholars. Such criteria may include demonstrated expertise in a recognised field, sustained contributions to knowledge or professional practice, evidence of intellectual leadership, significant publications or equivalent outputs, commitment to mentoring staff and students, involvement in research or curriculum development, high ethical standing and contributions that have created measurable impact on society.
Equally important is the expectation that these appointments involve active engagement rather than ceremonial association. Adjunct professors should teach, mentor, supervise, collaborate in research, deliver public lectures or contribute meaningfully to academic programmes. Their appointments should benefit students, staff and the university, not merely enhance institutional marketing or personal prestige.
Universities should also periodically review these appointments to ensure recipients continue to fulfil their academic responsibilities. Titles should represent ongoing contribution rather than permanent honorary recognition without meaningful engagement.
Ultimately, universities are guardians of intellectual integrity. Their greatest asset is not their buildings, rankings or financial resources but the credibility of the knowledge they produce and the values they uphold.
When academic titles are awarded thoughtfully, transparently and on genuine scholarly merit, they inspire confidence, attract talent and strengthen the university’s reputation. When they are perceived as rewards for wealth, influence or donations, they risk weakening the very foundation upon which higher education is built.
The question, therefore, is not whether successful individuals from outside academia should be appointed as adjunct professors or eminent scholars. Many unquestionably deserve such recognition. The real question is whether every appointment reflects the intellectual excellence, integrity and commitment to knowledge that these titles are intended to represent.
Universities must always remember that generosity can build campuses, laboratories and scholarships. But only scholarship builds the enduring intellectual legacy of a university.
Datuk Dr Omar Shawkataly is a Fellow at the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not represent those of Twentytwo13.