The term 'LIKE CERTAIN PROFS' can be solved by the crossword solutions EMER and ASST. EMER stands for 'EMERITUS, ' which is a title given to a retired professor who has been given honorary status at a college or university. An ASST is an assistant professor, which is a faculty member who is in the process of completing their tenure requirements. Both EMERITUS and assistant professors are respected members of the academic community.