Distinguished Professorships and Graduate Fellowships

The Distinguished Professorship and Graduate Fellowship programs were established to promote private investment in public higher education and to help the public four-year universities and colleges recruit and retain outstanding professors and graduate students.

Public four-year institutions that raise $250,000 in private donations for a Distinguished Professorship and $25,000 for a Graduate Fellowship are eligible for state matching grants to the extent that matching funds are available. Money for the matching grants comes from the state education savings account.

Since their establishment in 1986, the two grant programs have allowed public colleges and universities to award 96 professorships and 270 fellowships. More than $30 million in private matching funds have been provided for these professorships and fellowships.

Only colleges and universities may apply for these matching grants. Students interested in applying for graduate fellowships should contact the colleges and universities directly.

State Laws and Rules

State Statute - 28B.76.550-630
State Rules and Regulations – WAC 250-72, 250-73

For more information, contact:
Mark Bergeson
Phone: 360.753.7881