In recognition of his scholarly excellence, instruction, and extensive outreach, Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies, Adjunct Professor of Law, and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University, recently was awarded the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award. And remarkably, he is the second person in his family to receive this prestigious honor.

“My father was a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He retired maybe three years ago. I remember very clearly, as a high school student, attending his ceremony where he received this award,” Khalil said. “I remember at the time thinking this was a big deal. I was so proud of my father. So, now to receive this award myself, I’m humbled by the experience. I’m honored, and I’m humbled at the same time.”

Khalil has been a member of the Department of Religious Studies faculty since 2011. He offers courses on Islam, including introductory courses. His specialization in Islamic thought extends to his work on American Muslims.

“I remember when I got into this field of religious studies, I quit dental school to pursue this path after 9/11. I was told, ‘good luck finding a job near where you live,’” Khalil said. “So, to have a job where I was raised, contributing to my hometown university, is something I cherish deeply.”

Khalil received his Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. all from the University of Michigan. He has authored and edited several books, including Islam and the Fate of Others: The Salvation Question and Jihad, Radicalism, and the New Atheism. He is the coproducer, codirector, and cowriter of the documentary film, American Jedi: The Salman Hamdani Story, whichis a story of heroism and one mother’s struggle to honor her son and break down barriers for Muslim Americans in the post-9/11 world.

Khalil also is the co-principal investigator of a project funded by Templeton Religion Trust, entitled “Science, Art, and Faith: Architectural Heritage and Islam.” The project reflects on the interreligious dimensions of Islamic architecture by exploring multi-faith contexts.

“I remember when I got into this field of religious studies…I was told, ‘good luck finding a job near where you live.’ So, to have a job where I was raised, contributing to my hometown university, is something I cherish deeply.”

Khalil is the 2023 recipient of the College of Arts & Letters’ Paul Varg Award, and when discussing the factors contributing to his success, he emphasized the importance of hard work.

“Ultimately, it comes down to hard work,” he said. “I put in a lot of time into my research, into my teaching, into my service. I really go all in.”

Supported by MSU’s Office of University Development, the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Awards are presented each year to faculty members for their outstanding total service to the university. The nominations are based on teaching; advising; research; publications; art exhibitions; concert performances; committee work; public service including extension, outreach, and work with government agencies and industry; or a combination of these activities.

This year, 10 MSU faculty members received William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Awards, which were presented during the All-University Awards Ceremony on May 1 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center.