The current knowledge about what distinguishes productive and vital faculty members from their less dynamic peers is considered, along with additional information needs. Most empirical evidence on faculty productivity concerns only research and publication. Information is inadequate about other forms of faculty achievement and vitality, including other professional service activities. More research is needed to clarify the range of ways professors remain creative and productive in the later stages of their work lives. Information on the correlates (e.g., personal attributes, environmental conditions) of the vital academic career can help explain such issues as: the extent to which career vitality is a function of personal orientations, the effect of organizational conditions and the broader environmental climate, and ways that colleges can foster enthusiasm and achievement in the academic career. Available research on faculty vitality has explored areas such as: the influence of professors' self-expectations, faculty receptivity to change, peer relationships, opportunities for research and professional development, and institutional reward systems. Topics for future research are suggested. (SW)