Michael B�rub� is the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Literature and Director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, where he teaches American literature, disability studies, and cultural studies. He is the author of several books on cultural studies, disability rights, liberal and conservative politics, and debates in higher education. He was the 2012 president of the Modern Language Association, and served as vice president from 2010-2011. He also served on the National Council of the American Association of University Professors from 2005 to 2011, and now sits on the AAUP's Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure. He is also a member of the International Advisory Board of the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes. B�rub� was named a University Scholar for research at University of Illinois in 1995 and was awarded the Faculty Scholar medal for research from Penn State in 2012. 

January 1st, 1961 in (Age 63)