Competition for the 2008–2009 Fesler-Lampert Chair

The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) is pleased to announce the competition for the 2008–2009 Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs, and invites interested faculty from across the University of Minnesota to apply for this award.

This endowed chair was established in 1999 through the generosity and vision of David and Elizabeth Fesler. It was created to recognize faculty members with a distinguished record of research and teaching related to matters of urban and regional significance who propose to use the resources of the Chair to undertake research/scholarly activities that will further this work on behalf of the University. Last spring, Professor Susan Galatowitsch of the Department of Horticultural Science was named to the Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs for 2007–2008. Prior chairholders have included John Adams of the Department of Geography (2000–2001), Dennis Ahlburg of the Department of Industrial Relations (2001–2002), Eugene Borgida of the Department of Psychology (2002–2003), Patrick Brezonik of the Department of Civil Engineering (2003–2004), Ann Markusen of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs (2004–2005), Myron Orfield of the School of Law (2005–2006), and Katherine Fennelly of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs (2006–2007).

The endowment will generate approximately $35,000 to support, 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 for release time, research assistance, or other support for the project, and may be used for new projects or projects already under way.

The faculty member who is selected will be expected at the conclusion of the project to prepare a 3500-word manuscript for publication in the CURA Reporter, CURA’s quarterly report of faculty research.

Applicants for the Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs must submit the following items:

1. A letter of no more than four pages describing the project—including the specific work to be accomplished while holding the chair—and discussing the project’s importance for understanding urban or regional issues. The letter should include a proposal for how the funds will be spent.
2. A brief statement outlining the applicant’s experience and preparation for undertaking the proposed project and discussing how carrying out this project will strengthen the applicant's future teaching and research/scholarship.
3. A current curriculum vitae.

Application materials for the 2008–2009 Chair should be sent to:

Professor Thomas M. Scott
Director, CURA
330 HHH Center
301—19th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Application materials must be received by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

The Fesler-Lampert nominating committee will review applications and forward its recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the appointment.

For more information about CURA, visit www.cura.umn.edu. Questions about the competition, the application process, or the Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs should be addressed to Professor Tom Scott at 612-625-7340 or scott001@umn.edu.