Appointment to a distinguished professorship signifies a special honor conferred only upon faculty of unusual merit. The purpose of the endowed position is to help students benefit from increased contact with external experts in business and the performing and visual arts. Most will be working professionals with a desire to share their special skills, expertise and experiences with faculty and students who desire knowledge of how their disciplines are practiced in the outside world. No endowed gift may pose restrictions that infringe on academic freedom, expose the university to adverse publicity, involve discriminatory practices or obligate FHSU to unexpected responsibilities or costs. Normally, endowed chairs are not rotated except in special circumstances.
Distinguished professorships are three-year appointments with an expectation for renewal.
A donor may designate a position for a particular department or field of study consistent with the FHSU mission, needs and interests. It is the policy of the university to establish all gift agreements in cooperation with the FHSU Endowment Association. Because campus needs change over time, gift agreements are stated in flexible language that includes regular reporting and well-managed investment portfolios for each donor. Income from the endowment or gift will be used in combination with other funds to partially support the teaching and research activities of the incumbent. Up to 75 percent of the investment income may be utilized as an increment to state salary monies.