Names & Titles

See also: Capitalization

Names With Degrees

Use a comma between a person’s name and degree.

  • Jan Lewis, PhD, is a research associate.

Names With Initials

No space between initials. If an entire name is abbreviated, spaces and periods are omitted.

  • G.P. “Bud” Peterson presented the strategic plan to the Board of Regents.
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often referred to as FDR, is the only U.S. president to have served more than two terms.

Names With Jr., Sr.

Omit commas before and after Jr.,Sr., and the designations I, II, III and IV.

  • Fred Jones Jr. was introduced by Cedric Waltham III.

Names With Titles

Capitalize formal titles only when they immediately precede a person’s name. Use lowercase for titles that serve as occupational descriptions (see third example). Avoid using Dr. and courtesy titles such as Mr. and Ms.

  • Professor John Doe, biology; or John Doe, professor of biology
  • Chancellor Justin Schwartz; or Justin Schwartz, chancellor of the Boulder campus
  • Features editor Jane Smith; astronaut Scott Carpenter; writing instructor Glen Moore

Use of First Names

Use people's first and last names on initial reference (following AP Style), and use only a last name in subsequent references. In stories featuring two people with the same last name, use first and last names. Features and campus community content can be more flexible depending on the tone.