Endowed Faculty Support
At ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿, faculty are the heart of the student experience. A great professor does more than teach — they inspire, challenge and transform lives.
Research shows that having a faculty member who makes learning exciting is one of the most influential factors in preparing students for long-term success.
Your investment in faculty is an investment in generations of students to come.
To attract and retain exceptional professors, ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ must continue to invest significantly in faculty through endowed support. Many of our faculty are national leaders in their disciplines — and their expertise, mentorship, and research are critical to the quality of an IC education.
When you endow a faculty position or provide support for professional development, your generosity provides lasting recognition, fuels academic excellence, and ensures IC students learn from the very best.
💼 Endowed Faculty Chair — $1,500,000
Generates ~$75,000 annually to support a distinguished professor with a national reputation in their field. Funds support salary, research, and professional development.
🔬 Faculty Professional Development Fund — $500,000
Provides ~$25,000 each year to help educators grow at every career stage — through research, conference travel, curriculum innovation, and mentoring.
📚 Faculty Research Fund — $250,000
Provides ~$12,500 annually to fund one or more faculty-led research initiatives, including student collaboration and new discovery.
Recognizing excellence: Honored faculty
Dr. Beth Widmaier Capo, Edward Capps Professor of Humanities
A nationally recognized scholar of American literature and culture, Dr. Capo is the founding director of the IC Scholars Honors Program and a published author whose work advances academic excellence across disciplines.
"As long as I’m here, I want to represent the humanities and advocate for all of my colleagues in humanities disciplines."
Dr. Lawrence W. Zettler, Hitchcock Professor of Biology
Dr. Zettler is a global leader in orchid conservation whose work has brought IC students into international spotlight — including multiple invitations to the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
"I provide students with the tools to conserve these plants long after I’m gone."
📩 Start the conversation Help shape the future of ³Õºº¾ãÀÖ²¿ by supporting faculty excellence. Contact the Office of Advancement at development@ic.edu or 217.245.3046 to explore giving opportunities.