Ali Khalil is an instructor in developmental studies and a member of the First Year Experience team. Khalil is a graduate of A-State, and brings his understanding of students to make a strong transition to collegiate work. Let's get to know him.

Ali Khalil

Place of birth?

Syria

Why did you choose A-State?

A-State is unique. It is an institution with a mission that goes beyond providing a high level of education; it is a university that is committed to serving its community. The culture of A-State—academic excellence, values, and friendly atmosphere—was very appealing to me. The people, faculty, and students here are kind, professional, and goal-oriented. Anybody would find these qualities admirable, and I am certainly very grateful and proud to have the opportunity to be part of A-State.

What music is playing in your car?

Michael Jackson

What makes a good professor?

A good professor teaches students how to fall in love with reading. When students develop a passion for reading, they become effective writers, shrewd thinkers, better learners, and more knowledgeable citizens.

My favorite motion picture is...

Independence Day.

The television series I must TiVo...

Frasier.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

Dr. Frances Malpezzi, a retired English Professor at A-State, was my favorite teacher. She was very knowledgeable and professional in the way she delivered her materials. She was challenging, but also encouraging. Her classes were very rewarding, and they certainly enriched my education and love for literature.

What makes for a good student?

good student wants to learn, not just pass. Good students demonstrate personal responsibility and motivation to acquire the prowess they need for the purpose of serving their community in their respective fields. Good students understand that their education is designed to train them to be skillful in their future missions, and they take such training seriously.

E-book or hardback?

No preference. Reading is fun in any form.

Your philosophy on education in seven words:

Instill a passion for reading and learning.

If you could teach another field, which one and why?

Probably political science because politics govern all aspects of life.

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

My educational background is English with an emphasis on Early Modern British Literature and the Renaissance. The quality that I would teach everyone about my field is comprehensive learning. Learning about the English Renaissance encompasses an understanding of not only literature, but also the nature of politics, history, and theology. These areas govern the human life, and to understand them is to understand humanity.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on developing and, later, publishing a scholarly article about the kinship between reading and writing with my friend and colleague, Mrs. Barbara Doyle.

The last book I read for fun was...

The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

If I could travel anywhere it would be...

The Grand Teton National Park in the state of Wyoming.

Four people I’d take to coffee...

Jessica (my beautiful wife), Jerry Seinfeld (my favorite comedian), Matthew Perry (my favorite actor), and Donna Tartt (my favorite author).

The best advice I ever received was...

choose a career you love and enjoy practicing. Be aware of the specific duties of your career before you make a decision.

My pro sports team is...

Go Hawks!

My pet peeve is...

sloppiness.

A perfect day is...

a rainy day at Barnes and Noble with a cup of coffee and a book in my hand.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs! Specifically Alaskan Malamutes.

My favorite saying is...

"If music be the food of love, play on" said by William Shakespeare.