Academic Support

Investing in Academics

Luther’s academic program prepares students for complexity, diversity, and change. From the classroom to the lab to the real world, our learning spans disciplines and encourages students to engage with larger issues and to serve the common good. Through a whole-community approach to education, we help students prepare for a career, a purpose, and a lifetime of impact.

Endowed Library Resource Funds

$25,000 minimum commitment

Provides support to enable Preus Library to maintain a relevant educational resource on campus. No longer just about books, the library utilizes e-resources, periodicals, subscriptions, and other learning tools.

Endowed Academic Program Funds

$50,000 minimum commitment

Provides general support for departmental and programmatic activities, and may also support music ensembles, student organizations, and other college resources.

Endowed Technology and Equipment Funds

$100,000 minimum commitment

Provides support for the ever-growing need for cutting-edge technology and equipment across campus. Examples include information technology resources, classroom and laboratory equipment, and even support for musical instruments.

Endowed Faculty Development Funds

$100,000 minimum commitment

Provides support for special projects, professional development, and other activities proposed by Luther faculty.

Endowed Staff Development Funds

$100,000 minimum commitment

Provides support for special projects, professional development, and other activities proposed by Luther staff members.

Endowed Faculty Fellowships

$100,000 minimum commitment

Provides support for scholarly activity and research opportunities for a Luther faculty member. Investing in faculty research enhances the academic program and the internal opportunities to support faculty at all levels.

Endowed Professorship

$750,000 minimum commitment – Professorship
$1,000,000 minimum commitment – Distinguished Professorship

An endowed professorship is usually held by a faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional teaching and achieved distinction in his/her field. An endowed professorship provides funds for a portion of the annual salary of a professor. The endowment also provides additional funds for the professor to conduct a specific research project, support related professional travel, and/or engage in a similar activity to enhance their knowledge, ability to teach, and reputation in the discipline.

Endowed Chair

$1,500,000 minimum commitment

An endowed chair is Luther’s most prestigious academic distinction, usually held by a faculty member who is an acclaimed teacher and recognized scholar in his/her field. An endowed chair provides funds for a portion of the annual salary of a professor. The endowment also provides additional funds for the professor to conduct research projects, attend professional conferences, and/ or engage in other educational activities with the goal of sharing newly acquired knowledge with students, fellow faculty, staff, and other members of the Luther community. Luther has endowed chairs in a range of disciplines such as biology, business, economics, music, philosophy, history, classics, and Nordic studies.

Endowed Department Chair

$2,000,000 minimum commitment

An endowed department chair is held by a faculty member who is selected to serve as the head of an academic department. A department chair provides funds for a portion of the annual salary of a professor. The endowment also provides additional funds for the professor to conduct a specific research project, support related professional travel, and/or engage in a similar activity to enhance their knowledge, ability to teach, and reputation in the discipline.

Endowed Deanship

$3,000,000 minimum commitment

An endowed deanship is held by a faculty/administrative staff member who holds a dean position within the Office of the Provost. Deanships typically apply to one the following areas: Academic Affairs, Student Engagement, and Student Success. A deanship provides funds for a portion of the annual salary of a professor. The endowment may also provide additional funds to enhance the area in which the dean supports, as well as related professional development and/or similar activity that enhances their knowledge and reputation in the discipline.