In an emotional announcement at Columbia’s Low Library, beloved actor and Parkinson’s advocate Michael J. Fox was named the university’s inaugural Professor of Optimism and Resilience—a first-of-its-kind position bridging neuroscience, philosophy, and lived experience. The Back to the Future star, 62, received a standing ovation as he joked, “Turns out you don’t need a PhD when life gives you a masterclass in getting back up.” The role will see him lead seminars on hope as a “cognitive discipline” and mentor students facing adversity.

The unconventional appointment was spearheaded by Columbia’s neurology department, inspired by Fox’s decades of Parkinson’s research advocacy. “Michael’s work proves optimism isn’t naivete—it’s a revolutionary act,” said University President Minouche Shafik. His “Fox Fellows” program will fund studies on neuroplasticity and trauma recovery, with a quirky twist: final projects must include “one impractical idea that makes the world more joyful.”

Hollywood and academia collided in the reactions. Stephen Colbert tweeted “Finally, a professor who’ll give A’s for time-travel essays,” while Dr. Sanjay Gupta called it “the missing link between brain science and human spirit.” Even Fox’s Family Ties co-star Meredith Baxter shared a throwback clip with the caption “Alex P. Keaton just became the most inspiring teacher.”