Professor

Professor, sometimes shortened to just Prof, is a title reserved for those who have amassed academic expertise in a particular field of study. In other words, they are a smarty-pants. The title is awarded to senior members of an academic chair at a college or university holding a Ph.D. or equivalent qualification.

Beyond holding the proper academic title, universities in many countries also append famous artists, athletes and foreign dignitaries with the title honorary professor, even if these persons don't have the academic qualifications typically necessary for professorship. However, such "professors" usually do not undertake academic work for the granting institution.