Texas State University professor Dr. Khalid Arar honored with multiple awards

Charlcee Cervantez || October 28, 2024

Dr. Khalid H. Arar, a professor of educational leadership and policy at Texas State University, has been named a co-recipient of the UCEA Tillman Racial and Social Justice Award for 2024. The award, given by the University Council for Educational Administration, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing racial and social justice in education.

Arar's research focuses on social justice, equity, and diversity in educational leadership and policy, with a particular emphasis on refugee welcome education. Over the past two decades, his international work has spanned the Middle East, Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and the United States. His book, School Leadership for Refugees, won Routledge's Choice Outstanding Academic Title award in 2021.

In addition to the UCEA honor, Arar has been named to the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings for 2024, marking his second consecutive year on the list. The rankings highlight the world’s most influential researchers. Arar also ranked first in the College of Education at Texas State and was among the top 21 scholars at the university in the latest World University Rankings, 2025.

“These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my colleagues, students, and college. I am also deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering support throughout this journey,” Arar said.

Arar was also recently named an honorary professor of international studies at Texas State and was recognized by the American Educational Research Association’s Division A with the Excellence in Research Award in 2023. In addition to his research, Arar serves on numerous international academic boards and is the editor-in-chief of Leadership and Policy in Schools.

His dedication to students was further acknowledged when he was nominated as a Favorite Professor by the Alpha Chi Honor Society at Texas State.

Arar’s teaching philosophy integrates leadership, policy, and foundational concepts to prepare aspiring researchers and practitioners. His courses incorporate a variety of educational policy sources, leadership research, and multidisciplinary studies.