A university’s faculty represents one of its most precious assets. One of the ways universities can successfully attract and retain top talent is through named professorships and endowed chairs. To receive a named professorship is a hallmark of distinction – it signifies outstanding academic achievement and conveys invaluable financial support that helps to advance high caliber work. Here you will find information about current named professors and endowed chairs, as well as lists of faculty who have held these distinguished appointments in the past.

Ameren Distinguished Professor in Business and Government

At the time Ameren generously provided funds for this endowed professorship, then Chancellor Ringeisen noted, “The leadership of Ameren Illinois Utilities have demonstrated by this endowment their belief and confidence in this institution. They understand that you cannot have a great community without a great university, and you cannot have a great university, without a great community.” UIS is grateful that Ameren shares our vision.

  • Karl McDermott, 2008

Read the Newsroom article announcing the current Ameren Distinguished Professorship in Business and Government

Distinguished Professor & Director, Institute for Illinois Public Finance

The University of Illinois System plays a central role in higher education, research and discovery, and economic development in the State of Illinois and beyond.

  • Kenneth Kriz, 2018

Read more about the Institute for Illinois Public Finance
Read more about the University of Illinois Distinguished Faculty Program

Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies

The distinguished chair in Lincoln Studies was established in 2000 when Dr. Richard E. Vaden and his family donated $1.25 million for that purpose to honor their longtime friendship with then-UIS Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn and her husband, Robert. Dr. Lynn retired as chancellor on March 30, 2001 after serving nearly 10 years in that capacity. Here you will find a list of recipients of the Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies.

  • Michael Burlingame, 2019
  • Michael Burlingame, 2014
  • Michael Burlingame, 2009
  • Philip Paludan, 2001

Read more about the current Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair of Lincoln Studies

PNC Distinguished Professor of Banking and Finance

PNC and the PNC Foundation have long histories of strengthening and enriching the lives of communities in which they live and work. They provide resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership. The Foundation makes it a priority to partner with local nonprofit organizations to enhance educational opportunities and promote economic growth. PNC’s continuing support of a Distinguished Professor in Banking and Finance at UIS exemplifies this commitment. Here you will find a list of recipients of the PNC Distinguished Professor of Banking and Finance.

  • Serkan Karadas, 2023
  • Feng-Shun “Leo” Bin, 2018
  • Ronald McNeil, 2014

Formerly National City Distinguished Professorship in Banking and Finance

  • Richard Judd, 2006
  • Ronald Spahr, 2001

Read more about the most recent PNC Distinguished Professorship in Banking and Finance

Louise Hartman Schewe and Karl Schewe Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Karl Schewe was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and A.G. Edwards and Sons, Springfield. Louise was a teacher and active civic leader whose interests included the Springfield Art Association and the Illinois Symphony Guild. Upon her death in 2006, Louise Schewe left a generous bequest to the University of Illinois Foundation to support a Professorship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Here you will find a list of recipients of the Louise Hartman Schewe and Karl Schewe Professors in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

  • Lan Dong, 2023
  • Lan Dong, 2017
  • Peter Boltuc, 2013
  • Keith Miller, 2009

Link to the Newsroom article announcing the most recent Schewe Professor

James J. Stukel Presidential Professor

The James J. Stukel Presidential Professorship was created by the University of Illinois Foundation to honor James Stukel, the 15th president of the University of Illinois system (1995-2005). The professorship includes support for research and grant work and was created for a candidate who possesses expertise in and scholarly accomplishments relating to online teaching and learning issues.

Link to the Newsroom article announcing the most recent Stukel Professor

  • Karen Swan, 2009

Wepner Distinguished Professor

The Wepner Distinguished Professorship was established at UIS as the result of a $1.2 million unrestricted estate gift from a Springfield couple, Wilbur and Margaret Wepner, longtime supporters of UIS. The funds are being used for scholarships and the Wepner position. As a member of the Committee for Higher Education in Central Illinois, Wilbur Wepner helped found this university (then called Sangamon State University) in 1969. Here you will find a list of recipients of the Wepner Distinguished Professorship.

  • Graham Peck, Wepner Distinguished Professor of Lincoln Studies, 2019
  • Matthew Holden, Wepner Distinguished Professor of Political Science, 2012
  • Matthew Holden, Wepner Distinguished Professor of Political Science, 2009

Read the Newroom announcement of the most recent Wepner Distinguished Professor