People and Titles

ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE TITLES

Capitalize a formal title when it precedes a name (Dean John Jones; Professor of Biology James Smith; Chancellor John Sharp). Lowercase a formal title after a name (John Jones, dean of the College of Medicine; James Smith, a professor of biology). One exception: Capitalize a named professorship both before and after a name (Distinguished University Professor of Biology James Smith; James Smith, Distinguished University Professor of Biology). However, do not capitalize “emeritus.”

Clinical titles should be listed after the Texas A&M-affiliated title (Tim Boone, vice dean of the Texas A&M College of Medicine in Houston and chair of the Department of Urology for Houston Methodist Hospital).

ACADEMIC DEGREES AND CREDENTIALS

Do not use periods when abbreviating academic degrees. Note that this is a departure from AP Style. Put commas between the name and credentials, between each credential and after the list of credentials before continuing the sentence (Kelly Smith, MD, PhD, is a clinical professor). Credentials should be listed in the following order: Highest academic degree earned, licensure, certification (John Smith, DNS, RN, FNP-BC). Do not put “Dr.” before a name unless quoting someone. However, using the “Dr.” prefix on second reference is appropriate for patient care content such as patient-facing web pages, brochures, forms, advertisements, etc.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Primary within text

Indra Reddy, PhD, interim chief operating officer and senior vice president of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health)

Primary all other uses

Indra Reddy, PhD
Interim Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Texas A&M Health

Formal reference

Indra K. Reddy, PhD
Interim Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health)