Hartford International University

Chaplain Simsek, who graduated from HIU with an MA in Chaplaincy in 2024, will join HIU's top scholars on July 1, 2026. He has a BA in Theology from Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey and can communicate in four languages: Turkish, Ottoman, Arabic, and English.

He has more than 20 years of chaplaincy experience, including leading the Muslim Life program at Trinity College, where he provides spiritual care, religious services, and educational programming for Muslim students, faculty and staff. He also develops interfaith events and coordinates major religious and cultural events.

Chaplain Simsek is the author of six books, including as editor of the Broken Jug Series – Sermons of Fethullah Gülen.

“My teaching approach is informed by my lived experience and academic training,” he said. “I strive to balance rigorous theological insight with compassionate presence and intercultural sensitivity.”

Welcome, Chaplain Simsek!

This week we celebrated the retirement of Hartford Institute for Religion Research Director Scott Thumma, with two parts! Friday brought together friends and family for a dinner full of laughter, stories, and heartfelt tributes to his career, his personality, and decades of memories. Then came our retirement conference, "Data, Congregations, and the Public Square," where colleagues, alumni, research partners, and friends gathered to honor Scott's remarkable contributions to congregational studies. Thank you, Scott, for everything you've given to this field and this community!

"Students are not closing chapters of life. They are trying to write them." Osman Simsek '24, Muslim chaplain at Trinity College and incoming senior instructor at HIU this July, reflects beautifully on what it means to walk alongside students at "the dawn of becoming." Enjoy this moving read on faith and presence.

A Day in the Life of a University Chaplain: Standing at the Dawn of Becoming A reflection on the role of a Muslim university chaplain, exploring the intersections of faith, service, and companionship in supporting students as they navigate the challenges of growth, identity, and belonging.

Throwback Thursday to the moment we smiled and said we did it!

Dr. Qureshi holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from The University of Chicago Divinity School, an MA in Religion from University of George-Athens, and a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

He has held several positions at Zaytuna College, including Director of Graduate Studies and Administration. He is also a visiting scholar at University of California-Berkeley. He has published a number of monographs, book chapters, book reviews, and encyclopedia entries.

Dr. Qureshi is thrilled to be joining the faculty at HIU and looks forward to working with its students.
“Mentorship is center to my vocation as a scholar,” he said in his letter of application. “I was fortunate to have had exceptional mentors, and I aspire to continue in their footsteps with my own students.”

Dr. Qureshi will also co-direct the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations.

“I am excited that the Macdonald Center once again have co-directors – one Muslim and one Christian,” said Dr. David D. Grafton, the other Macdonald Center Co-Director. “This is an important symbol of our longstanding commitment to interreligious study and relations at the Center and HIU.”

Hartford International University and the Hartford Institute for Religion Research warmly invite colleagues, alumni, research partners, and friends to a special retirement conference honoring the remarkable career of Scott Thumma. The topic will be Data, Congregations, and the Public Square.

Celebrating the Career of Scott Thumma At Hartford International, you’ll join an interfaith peer group and professors who broaden your perspective and, in turn, deepen your ability to make a difference in a world where the roads no longer diverge – they come together.

As Co-Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations from 1996-2008, Dr. Jane I. Smith made an enormous impact on HIU, then Hartford Seminary. The community mourns her passing at the age of 89.

HIU Mourns the Passing of Dr. Jane I. Smith, Former Co-Director of the Macdonald Center At Hartford International, you’ll join an interfaith peer group and professors who broaden your perspective and, in turn, deepen your ability to make a difference in a world where the roads no longer diverge – they come together.

One month since the big day!

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is proud to present our Islamic Studies, Christian-Muslim Relations, and Chaplaincy faculty for the coming academic year.

This team represents decades of scholarly excellence, interreligious leadership, and spiritual care. And we are especially delighted to welcome two outstanding new colleagues.

Returning Faculty:

* Dr. Bilal Ansari

* Dr. David D. Grafton

* Dr. Hossein Kamaly

* Dr. Suheil Laher

* Dr. Lucinda Mosher

* Enas Ghassal and Dr. Okan Dogan

New additions, welcome!

* Dr. Jawad Anwar Qureshi

* Chaplain Osman Simsek

This is the team that will shape the next generation of religious leaders.