Endowed chair professor意思

"Endowed chair professor" is a title given to a professor who holds a prestigious position at a university or college that has been made possible through the funding of an endowment. An endowment is a donation of money or property to an institution, usually with the stipulation that the principal amount is kept intact while the earnings or interest from the investment are used to support the designated purpose, which in this case is the professor's salary, research, or other academic activities.

Endowed chairs are among the highest honors a university can bestow upon a faculty member, and they are often named after the donor, a prominent individual, or a historical figure. The purpose of endowed chairs is to attract and retain top-tier faculty, support their research and teaching, and enhance the academic reputation of the institution.

Endowed chair professors typically have a distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, and service, and they are expected to continue making significant contributions to their fields. They may also be responsible for mentoring junior faculty and graduate students, and they often play a leadership role within their departments or schools.

The term "endowed" simply means that the position is funded by an endowment, which can provide a stable source of income for the professor's activities over a long period of time. The amount and terms of the endowment can vary, but endowed chairs are generally associated with a higher level of financial support than regular professorships.