Siddiqi Inducted Into the MLK Jr. Collegium of Scholars of Morehouse

MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University English and Journalism Professor Mohammad A. Siddiqi was honored April 3 with induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. Collegium of Scholars of Morehouse College.

King is an alumnus of Morehouse College, in Atlanta (GA), and the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity was formed at the school in 1986 as a way to promote the Civil Right’s leader’s traditions of non-violence.

Selection is based on recommendation of current members of the college, as well as evidence that the proposed inductee is committed to the principles and practices of King, as well as of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandi and Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. The award also honors Siddiqi for being a spiritual mentor to others.

“It was the most honorable event and humbling experience of my life to find myself among the top 50 interfaith leaders from across the world who were inducted into the collegium of scholars at Morehouse College in Atlanta on April 3,” Siddiqi said. “I was happy and proud to represent WIU at this unique event.”

Siddiqi came to WIU in 1987 and has taught journalism and public relations at the school. He served as interim chair of the WIU Department of English and Journalism from 2009-2010, director of the school’s journalism program from 2006 until now and is the faculty adviser for the WIU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and the Saudi Students Club.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Aligarh Muslim University in India, his master’s degree in mass communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his doctoral degree from Temple University in Philadelphia (PA).

Siddiqi specializes in international communication, global media policy-making, media ethics and media issues within an Islamic perspective. He is widely published, including the 1997 book, “Islam, Muslims and Media: Myths and Realities” and the 1993 book, “Islam” A Contemporary Perspective.”

Western Illinois University News

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