The world is becoming more interconnected, and A Global Mindset is an integral part of education. It is Carolina’s goal that every student graduates with the skills and experience needed to be an engaged citizen. The Jarrahi family is deepening and broadening the University’s global reach through their support for the Department of Religious Studies.
The newly established Dr. Ali Jarrahi Term Professorship funds a tenure-track assistant professor position in Islamic studies with a specialization in Persian/Iranian studies.
There are numerous reasons to study Persian: Persian is an important language of the Middle East and Central Asia, spoken by approximately 70 million native speakers and roughly 110 million people worldwide. The three-year term professorship will provide an important way to elevate Carolina’s Persian Studies program.
“The generosity of the Jarrahi family is a model of forward-thinking philanthropy. Their leadership will encourage others to support Persian studies as a key area of excellence at UNC,” said Carl Ernst, William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies and co-director of the UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies.
The support from the Jarrahi family will continue to expand the Persian Studies program and offer more opportunities for the study and appreciation of Persian language and culture.