a12.1. Avoid constructions such as "Assistant Professor of Dianetics Sven Krypton," "Communications Professor Jane Pauley" or "Department Chair Thomas Hepplewhite." They blur the distinction between title (capitalized) and job description (not capitalized). Precede a job description with the person's name: "Sven Krypton, assistant professor of dianetics,"; "Jane Pauley, professor of communications"; and "Thomas Hepplewhite, chair of the forestry department." (See also Capitalization.)
a12.2. Preferred style is to say, "James Smith, assistant professor of English," but it is acceptable to use abbreviation "Prof. James Smith" in a publication in which space is tight, such as a department brochure. But when this is done, make it consistent throughout that particular publication.
a12.3. For professors in the anthropology and sociology department, generally use "professor of anthropology and sociology" but if the professor requests to use "professor of sociology" or "professor of anthropology" then follow their request.
a12.4. In formal communications such as degree citations or faculty awards, it is acceptable to use the honorary title Professor with a person who may not have achieved that rank, after the person's rank is established: Theodore Baxter, assistant professor of journalism, today receives the Bryant Gumbel Humanitarianism Award. In his youth, Professor Baxter worked at a 5,000-watt radio station in Fresno . . . .
a12.5. The honorific Dr. should be used only on first reference to a medical doctor. Do not use in any reference to an academic who has earned a doctorate. Exception: In a direct quote, the honorific may be used.
a12.6. Use the honorific the Rev. on first reference to Protestant or Catholic clergy; use surname only in other reference (The Rev. James E. Bakker counseled Jessica Hahn, just one of Bakker's dozen). Use Rabbi on first reference to Jewish clergy, surname thereafter.
a12.7. Names of political officeholders should be prefaced on first reference by their titles (President George Bush, Senator Rudy Boschwitz, Governor Terry Branstad). (N.B.: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, as differentiated from Minnesota Representative Don Ostrom.) Use surname in other references, although use of title is permitted in direct quotations. (See also Capitalization, Gender.)
a12.8. Military titles should always precede the name, with branch of
service following: Sgt. Vincent Carter, U.S.M.C.; Capt. Alan Shepard, U.S.N.
Titles are usually abbreviated but do not take the all-uppercase usage of
the armed services themselves.