Endowed chairs, professorships, and fellowships. The university has received endowments to fund chairs, professorships, and fellowships. Nominations for these positions are made on the basis of the terms set by the endowments. These positions may provide a salary supplement, additional research funds, secretarial support, graduate student funding, or release time to pursue research and/or creative projects.
Distinguished professors. This title may be awarded to candidates at the rank of professor who have displayed an exceptional record of teaching, research and/or creativity, and service.
Distinguished scientists. Appointments as distinguished scientists may be awarded to faculty who contribute significantly to nationally and internationally recognized research. They are typically paid jointly by the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under the auspices of The Science Alliance, a center of excellence at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, established in 1984 by the Governor and the Tennessee Legislature, with the support of THEC.
University distinguished research professor. This title may be awarded to faculty at the rank of professor for exceptional records in research.
University professor. This title may be awarded to faculty at the rank of professor in recognition of exceptional academic accomplishments.