The criteria for holders of named chairs are established by the Provost (see Faculty Awards & Memorials).

Named chairs are funded by substantial endowments through the UI Foundation and are filled through external searches, following authorization by the Dean. The Dean must be consulted on the composition of the search committee for a named chair. The search committee includes among its members the Dean (or the Dean's designate) and one or more faculty members in the College who hold named chairs or professorships. The schedule of interviews for candidates for the position must include the Dean, the Vice President for Research, the Graduate College dean, and the Provost or an Associate Provost.