Essence Transfer (1/Day). The professor can cast the animate dead spell, using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability.
Spellcasting. The professor casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15):
At will: druidcraft, spare the dying
1/day each: antilife shell, bane, feign death, speak with dead
Multiattack. The professor makes two Mortality Spear attacks. It can replace one of the attacks with a use of Spellcasting.
Mortality Spear. Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 120 ft., one target. Hit:17 (3d8 + 4) necrotic damage, and the target can't regain hit points until the start of the professor's next turn.
Essence Pulse (Recharge 5–6). The professor creates a life-draining vortex in a 30-foot-radius sphere centered on itself. Each creature of the professor's choice that it can see within that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 23 (5d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The professor then regains 10 hit points. An affected creature's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The creature dies if its hit point maximum is reduced to 0.
Professors of decay wield magic that drains and twists the essence of the professors' subjects. The professors use the gathered essence to feed their magic, snuffing the life and decaying the bodies of the living, entreating and commanding the dead and Undead, and twisting curses around their foes. In battle, they steal the essence of their enemies to heal their own wounds and create spears of sickly green life-draining energy.