The College has several endowed chairs, filled for specific terms by faculty who are recognized for their teaching and research. The endowed chairs focus on the undergraduate experience and support connected learning and scholarship in order to enrich the curriculum for undergraduate students.

The Alumni Chair in Humanities

The Alumni Chair in Humanities was the first chair to be endowed in the College. This chair recognizes the centrality of the humanities to liberal learning. The faculty member holding this position is charged with stimulating innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship in the humanities. Faculty in communication, English, history, languages, music, philosophy, religious studies, and visual arts may apply for this position. Drs. Gene August, Michael Barnes, and Richard Benedum have held this chair in the past. It is currently held by Dr. John Heitmann of the Department of History.

Learn more by visiting the Alumni Chair webpage.

The Graul Chair in Arts and Languages

The Graul Chair in Arts and Languages promotes interdisciplinary approaches to the arts and languages with particular focus on international perspectives. Faculty in the Department of Languages, the Department of Music, the Department of Visual Arts, and the Theatre Program are eligible for this position. Dr. Roger Crum of the Department of Visual Arts was the first person to hold this chair. The chair is currently held by Dr. Eric Street.

Learn more by visiting the Graul Chair webpage.

The Roesch Chair in Social Sciences
The Roesch Chair in Social Sciences recognizes the importance of social sciences to a liberal education and to the advancement of critical research in the social sciences. The chair is named in honor of Raymond A. Roesch, S. M., a former president of the University and professor of psychology. The person holding this chair stimulates innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship in the social sciences. Dr. Mark Ensalaco of the Department of Political Science is the current Roesch Chair.

Learn more by visiting the Roesch Chair webpage.

The Mann Chair in the Sciences

The Mann Chair in the Sciences recognizes outstanding accomplishments and contributions, with an emphasis on scholarship in the sciences. The position is named in honor of Leonard A. Mann, S. M., former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of physics. Dr. Panagiotis Tsonis of the Department of Biology was the first Mann Chair. The current chair is Dr. Robert J. Brecha of the Department of Physics.

Learn more by visiting the Mann Chair webpage.

The University Professor of Faith and Culture

The major responsibility of the University Professor of Faith and Culture is to work with the Dean of Arts and Sciences and other academic and faculty leaders to deepen the academic and intellectual discourse on campus that draws upon Catholic culture and intellectual traditions as major resources for learning and scholarship. The position of University Professor of Faith and Culture, created in the fall of 1996 and held by Fr. James Heft, SM, was endowed by the Marianists beginning July 1, 2000. Jack McGrath, SM, Ph.D. became the second University Professor of Faith and Culture in July, 2006.

Learn more by visiting the University Professor of Faith and Culture webpage.

The Mary Ann Spearin Chair in Catholic Theology

The Mary Ann Spearin Chair in Catholic Theology recognizes a distinguished scholar who has made significant contributions to theological explorations related to U.S. Catholicism. The Chair’s major responsibilities involve teaching doctoral seminars and directing student research in the Ph.D. program in Theology which has as its focus, the U.S. Catholic Experience. Dr. William Portier, formerly the Henry J. Knott Professor of Theology, Mount Saint Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Maryland, is the first to hold the Mary Ann Spearin Chair in Catholic Theology.

Learn more by visiting the Mary Ann Spearin Chair webpage.

The Ferree Professor in Social Justice

Marianist Provincial Father William Ferree was recognized as a key spokesperson on the Catholic theory of social justice. In his honor, the Cincinnati Province of the Society of Mary has pledged $1 million to endow the Ferree Professor in the Center for Leadership in Community. The Ferree Professor will connect Catholic social teaching and the social sciences through the community-building mission of the Fitz Center. Brother Raymond L. Fitz is the first Ferree Professor.

Learn more by visiting the Ferree Professor webpage.