SERVES: Faculty at the University of Minnesota (all campuses)

PURPOSE: The Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs is one of four endowed chairs made possible through the generosity and vision of David and Elizabeth Fesler to honor Mr. Fesler’s grandfathers, Bert Fesler and Jacob Lampert. The endowment is intended to stimulate interdisciplinary research and teaching through the appointment of distinguished, broadly learned scholars to endowed faculty positions at the University of Minnesota. The award was made annually until 2009, and is now given biannually or as endowment funds are available. The next competition is expected in spring 2015 for the 2015-2016 academic year.

The endowment supports, for one year, the research activities of a University of Minnesota faculty member for work on a project related to urban and regional affairs in Minnesota. Funds may be used to obtain release time or other support for the project and may be used for either new or current projects. Previous holders of the chair have used this support to complete projects on population changes in Minnesota, employee turnover and retention rates at Minnesota companies, and the impact of computer networks on civic life in rural Minnesota communities.

HOW TO APPLY: An announcement regarding the competition for the Fesler-Lampert Chair is sent to faculty during spring semester in years when the award is to be given, and the deadline for receipt of application materials is generally mid-February. The next competition is expected in spring 2015 for the 2015-2016 academic year. View the announcement for the most recent competition for the Fesler-Lampert Chair.