Carolina’s Persian Studies program has experienced significant growth since its launch in 2010, now enrolling over 150 students annually and ranking 14th nationally in Persian language enrollment. Dr. Shahla Adel, the University’s first full-time Persian language instructor, played a key role in establishing the program. Supported by a 2016 Roshan Institute endowment, the program expanded further with the hiring of Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi, the first tenure-track professor in Persian Studies, allowing for advanced language courses and interdisciplinary collaborations with experts in Persian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern studies. With increasing demand in 2016, a Persian Studies minor was launched to provide a comprehensive curriculum in Persian studies. Over the past decade, Persian Studies at UNC has grown into one of the top programs nationally. Below is a list of key developments from 2024-25.

North Carolina’s First Persian Language Online Exchange Program: Developed by Dr. Shahla Adel, this groundbreaking program connects Persian learners with native speakers, enhancing language proficiency and cultural understanding. Supported by the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and the Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies, this initiative extends Persian language education and cross-cultural exchange throughout North Carolina.

Expanded Graduate Fellowships in Persian Studies: Thanks to Dr. Yaghoobi’s efforts, the Roshan Institute Excellence Fellowship has been revised to provide dedicated funding for MA students in Persian Studies starting their first semester. This initiative enhances financial support, attracts diverse scholars, and strengthens the program’s academic rigor. Graduate students will also serve as teaching assistants (TAs), enriching undergraduate education in Persian language and culture. In March 2025, the Persian Studies program awarded two summer grants to Shamim Hossain, a PhD student in Religious Studies, and Rojano Mohammadzadeh, an MA student in Art Studio. Additionally, three MA students in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies received the full-semester Roshan Excellence Fellowship. Two of these students, Ramin Baghbanian and Zahra Palizban, will be joining the department from Iran, while the third student, Maryam Khan, is a UNC alumna.

New Book Award for Iranian Studies: In recognition of outstanding scholarship, Dr. Yaghoobi helped establish the Nemati Book Award for Studies on Iran’s Minoritized Ethnic and Religious Communities. Created in memory of Mrs. Nemati of Kermanshah, with generous support from the Emamian family, the award promotes inclusive academic inquiry in Iranian Studies. Administered by the UNC-Chapel Hill Persian Studies Program in collaboration with the Association for Iranian Studies (AIS), the award highlights innovative research on Iran’s historically marginalized communities, fostering dialogue and a deeper understanding of Iran’s rich cultural and social fabric.

New Persian Major Concentration: The Persian Studies Program in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill is proud to announce the launch of a new Persian Studies concentration within the B.A. in Asian Studies, beginning Fall 2025. This new concentration responds to the growing demand for in-depth study of Persian language, history, and culture, offering a rich curriculum, interdisciplinary collaborations, and unique engagement opportunities.