VI. NAMES AND TITLES

A. Names

1) Always give full name (or two initials with surname) of persons the first time they appear in an article. Office style is to avoid use of the title Dr. for Ph.D.s, except when specifically requested in departmental literature or by an individual.

2) After referring to an individual by full name, journalistic style indicates that the second reference should be to surname only, e.g., Smith. More formal style calls for repetition of a title with all subsequent references. It is also acceptable to refer to the subject by first name or nickname if the tone of the piece is more informal.

3) Refer to a woman by her full name, not by her husband’s name, unless the individual requests it.

B. Titles

1) Do not qualify the title professor with associate or assistant before a person’s name, but do qualify it after the name.

               Professor Ann Brown
               Ann Brown, associate professor of biology

2) Avoid using long titles before the names of people, such as Superintendent of Schools John H. Ward. Use Supt. John H. Ward, or John H. Ward, superintendent of schools.

3) Avoid honorifics wherever possible, or follow the individual’s preference when known.

4) When using an honorific to refer to a woman (Miss, Ms., or Mrs.), follow the individual’s preference when known.

5) When using honorifics to refer to a husband and wife, follow the individuals’ preference when known. Referring to a woman by her husband’s name, as in Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith, is, in general, to be avoided, although it is still preferred by some individuals, especially in social, versus business, settin

6) Maintain parallel structure when assigning professional titles, especially in lists. Avoid the following:

Committee members:
Dr. Hopkins
Pres. Whitson
C.B. Johnson
Prof. Smith
L. Spell, Ph.D.
Mary Bryan, Esq.

7) When referring to a department, panel, or board chairperson, the preferred title is chair.

Dr. Lillian Quackenbush is chair of the Department of Music.
Dr. Lillian Quackenbush chairs the Department of Music.

8) The abbreviation Rev. should never be used without the first name or initials.

Rev. David Templeton; thereafter, Mr. Templeton or Father Templeton (for a priest), Mr. or Ms. Templeton (for a minister), or Pastor Templeton (for a Lutheran minister).

If the article the is used (for formal occasions), Reverend should be spelled out.
The Reverend David A. Templeton

9) In the professional context of higher education, the highest academic title of a faculty member is preferred in cases where an individual may hold two titles or qualifications.

John G. Brown, Ph.D. or John G. Brown, associate professor of religion
not, The Reverend John G. Brown, Ph.D.

In a formal social context, such as for a hand-addressed invitation to a special event, two titles may be used.
The Reverend Dr. John G. Brown

10) The title Dr. should never be used in reference to an honorary degree.