Endowed Faculty Support
At Illinois College, faculty are the heart of the student experience. A great professor does more than teach — they inspire, challenge and transform lives.
Research shows that having a faculty member who makes learning exciting is one of the most influential factors in preparing students for long-term success.
Your investment in faculty is an investment in generations of students to come.
To attract and retain exceptional professors, Illinois College must continue to invest significantly in faculty through endowed support. Many of our faculty are national leaders in their disciplines — and their expertise, mentorship, and research are critical to the quality of an IC education.
When you endow a faculty position or provide support for professional development, your generosity provides lasting recognition, fuels academic excellence, and ensures IC students learn from the very best.
💼 Endowed Faculty Chair — $1,500,000
Generates ~$75,000 annually to support a distinguished professor with a national reputation in their field. Funds support salary, research, and professional development.
🔬 Faculty Professional Development Fund — $500,000
Provides ~$25,000 each year to help educators grow at every career stage — through research, conference travel, curriculum innovation, and mentoring.
📚 Faculty Research Fund — $250,000
Provides ~$12,500 annually to fund one or more faculty-led research initiatives, including student collaboration and new discovery.
Recognizing excellence: Honored faculty
Dr. Beth Widmaier Capo, Edward Capps Professor of Humanities
A nationally recognized scholar of American literature and culture, Dr. Capo is the founding director of the IC Scholars Honors Program and a published author whose work advances academic excellence across disciplines.
"As long as I’m here, I want to represent the humanities and advocate for all of my colleagues in humanities disciplines."
Dr. Lawrence W. Zettler, Hitchcock Professor of Biology
Dr. Zettler is a global leader in orchid conservation whose work has brought IC students into international spotlight — including multiple invitations to the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
"I provide students with the tools to conserve these plants long after I’m gone."
📩 Start the conversation Help shape the future of Illinois College by supporting faculty excellence. Contact the Office of Advancement at development@ic.edu or 217.245.3046 to explore giving opportunities.