RALEIGH — N.C. State University Chancellor Randy Woodson announced the first group of University Faculty Scholars, who will get bonuses of $10,000 a year for five years under a new program designed to help the university support and retain exceptional professors.

Two dozen faculty members are in the inaugural group.

The program is funded by donations of $3 million by SAS Institute co-founder Jim Goodnight and his wife Ann, and $2.7 million from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust. Goodnight is a former NCSU professor, and he and his wife are long-time supporters of the university.

“Investing in retaining and attracting the best faculty to teach our students and lead innovative research that improves lives and enhances the state’s economy is a key strategic goal for N.C. State,” Woodson said.

Those eligible for the awards include assistant professors who have been reappointed for a second term; all associate professors; and full professors within the first three years of appointment at that rank.

Faculty members are nominated by their colleges and selected by a committee of senior faculty. Forty faculty members were nominated for the award, and were evaluated based on their achievements in scholarship, teaching and service.

A list of the winning faculty members is at bit.ly/UKMpXz