Jesselson named Carolina Distinguished Professor

Robert Jesselson, a music professor in the School of Music, has been named a Carolina Distinguished Professor.

Jesselson, who teaches cello, is one of 26 professors at the University to hold the title, one of the most prestigious recognitions for scholarly achievement and distinction at Carolina. He is the only faculty member in the School of Music to be named Carolina Distinguished Professor.

Jesselson, who joined the faculty in 1981, directed the University's String Project for 15 years and built it into one the nation's premiere string education programs. As a cellist, Jesselson performs as soloist and member of the American Arts Trio in recital, with orchestras, and at festivals throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. He is a former conductor of the School of Music's University Orchestra and the Columbia Youth Orchestra. He has been a visiting scholar in China and at Sookmyung University in Korea. In 2001, he led a delegation of string players and teachers to Cuba to foster professional contact with Cuban musicians.

He has earned numerous awards for service and teaching, including an Artist Fellowship (1989) and a Verner Award (1992) from the S.C. Arts Commission, a Mungo Teaching Award (1995) and Cantey Award for Outstanding Faculty (2002) from the University, and the first S.C. American String Teachers Association Teacher Award in 2005.

This summer, Jesselson is teaching cello at the Green Mountain Music Festival in Vermont and in New Zealand.

Carolina Distinguished Professors are appointed or re-appointed for a term of five years. An annual stipend accompanies the honor. To be tapped for the honor, professors must be ranked among the top scholars in their field and have earned an international reputation. In addition to scholarly reputation, a professor must demonstrate excellence in teaching, be a mentor to junior faculty, and serve to and support the University.

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