Marquis Who’s Who Honors Olga M. Davidson, PhD, for Expertise in Higher Education
Olga M. Davidson, PhD, is a distinguished scholar and expert in Persian and Arabic language and literature
Dr. Davidson’s career has been marked by her expertise in the Shahnameh, resulting in decades of success in academia.
DUBLIN, NH, March 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Olga M. Davidson, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Davidson, a distinguished scholar in Persian and Arabic language and literature, has significantly contributed to Middle Eastern studies. Her passion for Persian literature was ignited by an exhibition of the Shahnameh, which motivated her to delve into the original texts that had inspired such exquisite artwork. Dr. Davidson’s career has since been marked by her expertise in the Shahnameh, resulting in decades of success in academia.
Early in her career, Dr. Davidson served as faculty dean of Currier House at Harvard College from 1986 to 1991 before becoming chair of Islamic and Middle Eastern studies at Brandeis University between 1992 and 1997. Her years at Brandeis continued as an assistant professor in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from 1994 to 2000, followed by her role as an associate professor of women’s studies until 2005. Dr. Davidson then joined Wellesley College as a visiting associate professor in the Middle Eastern studies program between 2005 and 2007.
In 2007, Dr. Davidson transitioned to Boston University, where she was a visiting associate professor in modern languages and comparative literature until 2008. She then became a visiting scholar at the Institute for the Study of Muslim Societies and Civilizations from 2008 to 2009 before assuming her later role as a research fellow at the same institute.
Dr. Davidson’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Boston University in 1975, followed by coursework at Harvard University in 1976. Subsequently, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Persian and Arabic literature from Princeton University in 1983. Dr. Davidson is fluent in German, French, English, Arabic and Persian.
Besides her work-related accomplishments, Dr. Davidson serves on the editorial board of Anthem World Epic and Romance and is also a member of several other boards, including the Islamic Text Initiative and Free Press. As the board chair for the Ilex Foundation since 1999, she has played a pivotal role in promoting cultural understanding through literature. Dr. Davidson’s dedication to Persian studies has also been recognized through her membership on advisory councils at Princeton University.
As a well-written writer, Dr. Davidson’s publications have significantly impacted Persian literary studies. Notable works include “Poet and Hero in the Persian Book of Kings,” “The Arts of Iran in Istanbul and Anatolia: Seven Essays,” and “Ferdowsi’s Shahnama: Millennial Perspectives.” Dr. Davidson’s essays on comparative literature and classical Persian poetry have also been widely cited, underscoring her scholarly influence.
Dr. Davidson was interviewed by BBC Persian and BBC World Services in 2019, highlighting her influence and recognition in the field. Eager to remain relevant in the field, she intends to continue publishing books and collaborate with her husband on a project about Ferdowsi’s life, further contributing to the understanding of Persian literary heritage.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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