About

The King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Culture is the first and oldest endowed chair in Islamic Studies in the United States sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1976 through a generous grant from the Saudi government, its explicit aim is the enhancement of the University’s offerings and profile in Islamic and Arab Studies. It was created in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation between the University of Southern California and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the hope and expectation that it would “further the University of Southern California’s noble quest for knowledge.” This was part of a broader gesture of appreciation to the University for its role in training so many Saudi Arabian scholars and professionals. Past Chair-holders have included Professor Willard A. Beiling and Professor Timur Kuran. The present Chair-holder, Professor Sherman A. Jackson, has held the Chair since 2011.