Jeffrey Einboden

NIU English Professor Jeffrey Einboden, Ph.D., lets people into a literary world that many never knew existed.

His research explores Middle Eastern influences within the works of beloved Western authors, and he has translated their iconic literature into Arabic, Persian and Hebrew.

Einboden has earned national and international acclaim for his work, which includes four books, since he came to NIU in 2006. In 2019, he was the winner of one of NIU’s Prestigious Presidential Research, scholarship and Artistry Professorships.

“To be awarded this Professorship is tremendously meaningful, not only to me, but to my entire family, whose love has been my scholarship’s most constant support,” Einboden said. “I am immensely grateful to countless colleagues here at NIU, as well as to a host of national and international peers across multiple fields, who have vitally encouraged my research over the past two decades. And, to receive the wonderful news from President Freeman herself, who visited my office in person, is a moment and an honor I will never forget.”

Einboden’s colleagues speak of the great impact he’s had on the field.

“I could not imagine a scholar more qualified for such an honor, or more deserving,” said Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Director of American Studies at Stanford University. “I have learned more from Professor Einboden’s work than I have from the work of any other literary scholar writing today.”

Professor Asma Sayeed, Director of Islamic Studies at University of California, Los Angeles, agrees. Sayeed teaches a class with more than 200 students each semester who heavily rely on Einboden’s works for their research.

“Professor Einboden is, without a doubt, among the most productive, creative and rigorous scholars working across the field of Islamic studies, religious studies and comparative literature,” Sayeed said. “He is truly a path-breaking innovative researcher and deserves this highest accolade.”