The department is pleased to share that Associate Professor Dr. Michael A. Figueroa has been named to the Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023! Dr. Figueroa specializes in music and politics in the SWANA region and its diasporas (South West Asia and North Africa, aka the “Middle East”). Other recent awards he’s received include the Schwab Academic Excellence Award from the IAH and the American Musicological Society Jewish Studies and Music Study Group Publication Award.
Dr. Figueroa’s most recent book, City of Song: Music and the Making of Modern Jerusalem (Oxford University Press, 2022), was featured in the department’s Book Notes series. His research has also been featured on the IAH Podcast in an episode titled “Music of Arab America Post 9/11.” He is a past Associate Director of the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies and Coordinator of the Faculty of Color and Indigenous Faculty Group at the Institute for Arts and Humanities, and he maintains an active presence in the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies. Beginning in Fall 2024, he will take up the role of Director of New Faculty Programs at the IAH.
The Arab American Foundation’s 40 Under 40 initiative celebrates Arab American professionals across all fields who “have great achievements both in the workplace and in their communities.” The Class of 2023 awardees will be recognized in November at the CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit in Orlando, Florida.
As quoted in Arab America, the co-founder of the Arab America Foundation Warren David said, “Enthusiasm fills our hearts as we celebrate 40 remarkable Arab Americans under 40, a dynamic group of young professionals driving change within the Arab American community and beyond. Their exceptional achievements will be celebrated and honored at our CONNECT Arab America: Empowerment Summit, November 3-4, in Orlando, Florida, where we gather to acknowledge their inspiring contributions.”
Congratulations to Dr. Figueroa on this prestigious recognition!