Authority: Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

History: First Issued: February 7, 2007.  Last Revised: July 9, 2025

Related Policies:
NCSU REG05.20.17 – Professors of Distinction

Contact Info: Dean, College of Natural Resources, (919-515-2883)

---

1.  INTRODUCTION

1.1. This rule covers the procedure for nominating and awarding the five Named Professorships in the College of Natural Resources, i.e., E. F. Conger, Elis and Signe Olsson Professor in Pulp and Paper Science and Technology, E.J. “Woody” Rice Term Professor in Paper Science and Engineering, Reuben B. Robertson Professor, and C.A. Schenck Professor.  The five named professorships were grandfathered according to NCSU REG05.20.17 – Professorships of Distinction on May 17, 2011.  When awarded after May 17, 2011 no additional modifiers may be added to the title.

1.2. All other professorships in the college follow the procedures in NCSU REG05.20.17 – Professorships of Distinction.

1.3. Candidates will be current or future faculty members who meet the criteria of the professorship’s donors, and who have achieved, or have the potential to achieve, significant national and international recognition over the course of their careers.  Appointments can be at all faculty ranks, as determined by the donor

2.  PROCEDURE

2.1. When there is an opportunity for a Named Professor appointment, the Dean will appoint an ad hoc selection committee consisting of at least three tenured NC State faculty members at the rank of full professor.

2.2. Nominations are submitted to the Dean.  The Dean forwards all nominations to the committee.  A candidate’s nomination package shall include a letter of nomination, an additional letter of support, and a complete curriculum vitae.

2.3. The committee will recommend a recipient to the Dean based on merit and any applicable terms of the endowment.  Recommendation of candidates is decided by a majority of the committee.   The Dean shall make the final determination regarding appointment.

2.4. The income from the endowment may be used for a salary supplement and/or discretionary support unless otherwise limited by terms of the donor agreement.  The amounts allocated to salary and discretionary support will be determined by the Dean.

2.5. Depending on the criteria established by the donor and the College, successful candidates will retain the Named Professor title for a fixed term or, subject to periodic review as described below, until separation from full time NC State employment as a faculty member. For professorships awarded for the duration of a faculty member’s career at the university, the college will review an incumbent’s qualifications on a specific frequency (no more frequently than every five years). Such reviews shall utilize a committee as defined in 2.1. The committee shall obtain and review information on the qualifications of the incumbent and make a recommendation to the Dean on whether the candidate should retain the professorship. The Dean shall make the final determination regarding retention of the appointment.

2.6. If the incumbent separates from employment or if an appointment is not retained pursuant to 2.5 above, the funds will be retained for the use of the new named professor as defined in section 2.4.

2.7. The Dean will inform the Chancellor and Provost of the award.