$10 million granted for professorships

The C.D. Spangler Foundation named for the former UNC-system president hand-delivered a surprise $10 million advance payment to UNC-system President Erskine Bowles on Dec. 16.

This early payment is part of a program to help UNC campuses add up to 80 distinguished professorships. The foundation hoped the money would encourage others to donate despite hard economic times.

The positions will be divided up between the 16 UNC-system campuses. It hasn't been decided yet how many UNC-Chapel Hill will get.

The Spangler Foundation has pledged $20 million over five years for the grant program" and the $10 million covers their commitment through mid-2011.

The program is intended to help UNC-system campuses recruit and keep talented professors they cannot afford with state funding alone.

Spangler said the professorships will be created in ""high-need fields"" in arts and sciences rather than business"" medicine or law because the latter fields have ample alumni who can afford to endow chairs.

""Arts and sciences is the core of the University" and it's not likely for their graduates to endow chairs" Spangler said.

The advanced payment was a complete surprise to the UNC system, Vice President for Communications Joni Worthington said in an e-mail.

But the money will not be released until the N.C. General Assembly provides matching state funds totaling $4.6 million per year through the Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund.

Worthington said similar matching programs were enacted with Spangler in 2007, also contingent upon the General Assembly providing matching state funds.

David Ammons, who has been the Albert Coates Distinguished Professor in the School of Government for almost a year, said he recognizes the importance of the foundation's commitment.

It's very important from the standpoint of professional recognition"" Ammons said. It's a very generous gesture that encourages excellence and signifies appreciation.""

Spangler described the program as a good investment for the state and an incentive for others to give.

""We're convinced that the program can last a long time" probably forever" Spangler said. We're convinced that it's the best thing for students and the University.""



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.