Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy in practice at MIT
Program Overview
About the Program
Established in 1991, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professors and Scholars Program welcomes outstanding scholars to MIT for visiting appointments. The Institute aspires to attract candidates who are, in the words of Dr. King, “trailblazers in human, academic, scientific and religious freedom.” The program honors Dr. King’s life and legacy by expanding and extending the reach of our community.
Our Scholars
Scholars in the program are distinguished by their academic achievements and scholarship, as well as their ability to enhance the intellectual life and community of the Institute. Though scholars often work in academic fields within MIT’s Schools and the College, the program also welcomes individuals from areas such as medicine, the arts, law, and public service. Past scholars have been engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists, as well as public policy experts, filmmakers, and recording artists.
While at MIT, scholars are deeply engaged with the Institute community. As part of the program, scholars advance their own research agendas, and they dedicate time to interacting with undergraduate and graduate students, teaching courses, and collaborating with MIT experts in their fields.
“Through our scientific and technological genius, we’ve made of this world a neighborhood. And now through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood.”
The MLK Faculty Advisory Committee reviews nominations for visiting professors and scholars, makes recommendations for funding, and provides advice on policies and practices. Committee members are selected by the ICEO, following recommendations from the deans of each of MIT’s schools and College of Computing.
Advisory Committee Members
Joseph CheckelskyDepartment of Physics
Robert FreundMIT Sloan School of Management
Paula HammondVice Provost for Faculty
Kenda MutongiDepartment of History
Karl W. ReidVice President for Equity and Inclusion
P. Christopher ZegrasDepartment of Urban Studies and Planning
