Just Call Him Professor Child

At least on a temporary basis, as Lee Child has been awarded a visiting professorship from his alma mater, the University of Sheffield. From today's press release:

"I took up the Visiting Professorship because I was very flattered to be asked, and because I wanted to show today's students that anyone can succeed eventually. It took me a bit of time to get where I am today, but once I had found my niche, something I am passionate about, everything else just seemed to fall into place."

He added: "I'm really looking forward to visiting the University in November. It will be an opportunity to engage with staff, students and members of the local community, as well a chance to visit some of my old haunts from my university days. I feel like I never really left Sheffield though. I have relatives in the city and whenever I visit I always feel at home."

Professor Dominic Shellard, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs, said: "The appointment of Lee as a Visiting Professor not only recognises his extraordinary literary talent, but also celebrates his excellence and distinctiveness as a Sheffield graduate.

Odds are pretty good any classes Lee teaches will be SRO...

Comments

[I.J.Parker]

"The appointment of Lee as a Visiting Professor . . . recognises his extraordinary literary talent"

That should make all of us lowly crime writers feel good.

[Elaine Flinn]

I'm thrilled that Lee has been so grandly recognized. A 'literary humanitarian award' should be offered as well someday for all the generous aid he's given to so many writers.

A real gent on so many levels.

[Bill Cameron]

I feel a strange compulsion to enroll at the University of Sheffield.