Osamah F. Khalil, associate professor of history in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University, received the Chancellor’s Citation for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction at the second annual One University Awards, held on Friday, April 20. The award recognizes faculty members who are collaborators in works of intellectual richness that have the potential for future impact.

Since joining the Maxwell School six years ago, Khalil’s writings have combined historical research with contributions to contemporary policy debates. His book, America’s Dream Palace: Middle East Expertise and the Rise of the National Security State (Harvard University Press, 2016), explores the history of the Middle East Studies establishment in the U.S.—and demonstrates the lasting impact of that history, even today.  The book was named one of Foreign Affairs’ Best Books of 2017. In selecting the book for this prestigious honor, the editors noted that “This is the work of a young but mature historian: thoroughly documented, carefully argued, and well crafted.” 

Khalil’s contributions go well beyond his book. They include publications in the top journals in his field (including Diplomatic History), op-ed pieces placed in the top U.S. and international publications, and an extraordinary number of book reviews and public presentations. He is also notable for his generous contributions to publicly engaged scholarship at Syracuse University. He serves on the Editorial Board of Syracuse University Press and has begun a series of workshops in coordination with the U.S. State Department.

“In Khalil we have a scholar who does what few can do: conduct deeply nuanced historical research and make it relevant to contemporary policy debates,” said Norman Kutcher, chair of history, who nominated Khalil for the Chancellor’s Citation. “Syracuse University and the Maxwell School are fortunate indeed to have him as a faculty member.”

05/02/18