Endowed Professorships

Endowed professorships serve as a vital resource to retain and recruit exemplary faculty who innovate, transform, and inspire both in and outside of the classroom.

Professor Anne Bentley works with students in the chemistry lab. Professor Anne Bentley works with students in the chemistry lab.

These professorships honor distinguished educators, celebrate collective intellectual rigor, stimulate learning, and advance interdisciplinary teaching and research.

When you support a professorship—either by contributing to one in development or working with us to establish a new one—you become an important partner in securing the very best education for our students.

To learn more about endowing a professorship, please contact Rebecca Holt at 503-768-7943 or rebeccah@lclark.edu.

Endowed Professorships

U.G. Dubach Professorship in Political Science, established in 1966 to honor Ulysses Grant Dubach, professor and chair of political science (1947–1958).

James F. Miller Professorship in the Humanities, established in 1999 by James F. Miller, who was a member of the Board of Trustees, a life trustee, and a generous benefactor. 

  • Held by Jay Odenbaugh, professor of humanities

Morgan S. Odell Professorship in the Humanities, established in 1990 by friends and alumni to honor Morgan Odell, the first president of Lewis & Clark College (1942–1960).

  • Held by Mary C. Szybist, professor of English

The Pamplin Professorships, established in 1993 as part of the Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Society of Fellows. Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. ’64, ’65, ’66, now a life trustee of Lewis & Clark, chaired the Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1996. The four professorships focus on areas of study central to the understanding and exercise of contemporary international leadership.

  • Economics: Held by Moriah Bostian, professor of economics
  • Government: Held by Todd Lochner, associate professor of government
  • History: Held by David Campion, associate professor of history
  • Science:Held by Anne Bentley, associate professor of science

James W. Rogers Professorship in Music, established in 1995 by the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation in honor of the late James W. Rogers ’64, a member of the college choir and a lifelong supporter of the music program.

  • Held by Aaron M. Beck, professor of music

William Swindells Sr. Professorship in the Natural Sciences, established by friends and family in 1990. William Swindells was a member of the Board of Trustees (1958–1981) and a life trustee (1981–1985).

  • Held by Paulette F. Bierzychudek, professor of biology

Paul S. Wright Professorship in Christian Studies, established in 1998 by Paul and Marie Wright and friends of Lewis & Clark. Paul S. Wright served as the institution’s theologian-in-residence until his death at the age of 99.

  • Held by Robert A. Kugler, professor of religious studies

Joseph M. Ha Professorship in International Affairs, established in 2013 by Karen Ha Chi and Willard Chi JD ’97, former students, and the Transpacific Corporation. Joseph Ha served as professor (1971–1997) and chair of the international affairs department.

  • Held by Elizabeth A. Bennett, associate professor of international affairs

Marc Messina Chair of International Affairs, established in 2021 to honor the late Marc Messina BA ’82, who was an active member of the international affairs department, both as a student and an alumnus.

  • Held by Robert M. Mandel, professor of international affairs