Is your position that the lack of a PhD is a legitimate “issue” that could be overcome or made an exception? Then we agree.
But apparently not. So we disagree.
You are confused between a prereq and an industry norm.
A norm simply means “something that is usual, typical, or standard” and does not disqualify someone not conforming. A minimum prereq does.
Wikipedia article of Professor, which I believe can be considered as industry norms says;
“Education Required: Sometimes a master’s degree, but typically a doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D.) or other terminal degree”
I would appreciate if you can pin point any credible source that either;
- PhD was a requirement for the position that Eikenberry was offered, or
- PhD is a requirement for professorship within the U.S.