Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald, professor in Human Development and Family Science, was recently named to the Dr. Anne Stegner Endowed Professorship.

The honor recognizes and supports faculty who exemplify the mission of North Dakota State University. Dr. Fitzgerald teaches family financial planning programs. Her research interests include family-owned businesses, co-preneurial couples, women and minority owned businesses, and the interface between business, family and community.

Throughout Fitzgerald’s career, she has served in a variety of leadership positions including department head, dean, and provost, while championing the educational needs of students.

“The Dr. Anne Stegner Endowed Professorship awarded to Dr. Fitzgerald acknowledges her significant contributions to scholarship and education, while paving the way to advancing future contributions in her field,” said Dr. Ron Werner-Wilson, interim dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Endowed professorships recognize continuing contributions of faculty who are leaders in their field, enhancing scholarship and collaboration. University Faculty Endowed Chair is the highest honor the University accords to a member of the faculty. Endowments provide support so that faculty members can advance their instruction and research programs.

Anne Stegner, who graduated from NDSU in 1949 with a degree in textiles and clothing, held numerous high-ranking positions with well-known retailers across the country. Throughout her successful career, Anne never forgot her time at NDSU. She believed in higher education and recognized what NDSU would need to help students succeed in the future. She established a faculty endowment through a $500,000 bequest to advance the needs and aspirations of faculty and students, contributing to NDSU’s land-grant mission.

More information about endowments is available through the NDSU Foundation.