Professor David Lantis was a faculty member of the Department of Geography who understood that private giving would help to enrich the teaching and learning environment of the University. Professor Lantis and his wife, Helen, donated $2.1 million to endow a university chair in their name, which allows for the annual funding of up to three university professorships between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on available funds.
Recipients of these awards will carry the title of Lantis University Professors, honoring the memory and generosity of the Lantis family and advancing the values of our institution. Past recipients of the Lantis University Chair are listed below by year awarded.
California State University, Chico celebrates the model of the teacher-scholar as exemplified by David Lantis, and in his honor we reward exceptional faculty and assist them in advancing their scholarship and creative careers. Although all tenure-track and tenured faculty will be considered for these professorships, we encourage mid-career faculty to apply who have completed a major project, or body of work, that they are seeking to advance to the next stage. Lantis University Professorships are awarded to projects that advance student success, community engagement, and scholarly or creative activity in the applicant's field. Detailed application information and forms appear below on this page.
The awards range from $20,000 to $40,000 (as appropriate to the project), which can be spent on release time, travel, equipment, student stipends, or a summer salary. The award period will begin July 1, 2024 and continue for a minimum of 12 months but no longer than 36 months from the time of the award.
In keeping with the public scholar model, Lantis University Professors may be asked to make a public presentation, conduct a public performance, or present a public exhibition on a topic relevant to their project. Lantis University Professors may also be asked to attend and participate in programs sponsored by the University Foundation, the Office of the President, or the Office of the Provost.
Each application must contain the following information to be considered:
- A brief (up to three page) description of the project that is to be completed or initiated during the award period. The document should include the applicant's name on the first line of the first page, be single spaced, using one-inch margins and a 12-point font. The description should:
- clearly define the goals and outcomes of the project;
- describe how the project would advance the applicant's body of work to its next stage;
- specify how the project contributes in the applicant's discipline;
- indicate how the project engages the community (regional, national, or international) in meaningful ways; and
- show how the project will contribute to the prestige of Chico State. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address these criteria in the order listed (and add section or paragraph headings to further clarify which criterion is being addressed in each section or paragraph).
- A budget indicating how the funding would be spent using the budget form located here. A separate one-page budget justification that clearly explains the need for budgeted expenses should be included with the budget form. A detailed explanation of any funding or matching funds that have been applied for or obtained in the past for this project should be listed below the proposed budget. Any budgeted external expenses that involve partnerships or external work must have a letter from the partner verifying they can complete the work within the expected time frame.
- A timeline for completion of the project (up to one page in length).
- An approval of the project from the applicant's department chair and dean using this form.
- A current curriculum vitae must accompany the application.
No additional documentation will be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The application period has now closed.
If you have any questions, please contact Jodi Shepherd, Interim Dean of the Meriam Library at jrshepherd@csuchico.edu.
| 2023-2024 | Hannah Burdette, Languages and Cultures Christine Leistner, Public Health and Health Administration Jackson Webster, Civil Engineering |
|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | Troy Cline, Biological Sciences Nik Janos, Sociology Najm Yousefi, History |
| 2021-2022 | Monica C. So, Chemistry & Biochemistry |
| 2020-2021 | Kun Zhang, Civil Engineering Jinsong Zhang, Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| 2019-2020 | Brian Brazeal, Anthropology Chiara Ferrari, Media Arts, Design and Technology David Stachura, Biological Sciences |
| 2018-2019 | Amanda Banet, Biological Sciences Sergei Fomin, Mathematics and Statistics |
| 2017-2018 | Eric Bartelink, Anthropology Donald Miller, Biological Sciences |
| 2016-2017 | Funding not available |
| 2015-2016 | Michael Ennis, Psychology Susan Roll, Social Work |
| 2014-2015 | Georgia Fox, Anthropology Rachel Teasdale, Geology |
| 2010-2014 | Funding not available |
| 2009-2010 | Lori Beth Way, Political Science Byron Wolfe, Communication Design |
| 2008-2009 | Tracy Butts, English Kate Transchel, History |
| 2007-2008 | Greg Kallio, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, and Sustainable Manufacturing Stephen Lewis, History |
| 2006-2007 | David Colson, Music Michelle Neyman Morris, Nutrition and Food Sciences |