A tenured professor is a faculty member in higher education who has been granted tenure by their institution. Tenure is a form of job security and academic freedom that provides professors with a permanent position, subject to certain conditions and institutional policies.
To attain tenure, professors typically undergo a rigorous review process, often spanning several years. The process involves evaluations of teaching effectiveness, research productivity, and contributions to the academic community and institution.
Once granted tenure, professors have greater job stability and protection from arbitrary dismissal. Tenured professors also have the academic freedom to pursue research interests and express their views without fear of retribution.
Tenure is considered a critical component of academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge without undue influence or censorship.