Remembering Former Visiting Assistant Professor Leila Ben-Nasr

Leila Ben-Nasr, a former visiting assistant professor of comparative American studies, died on November 28, 2025. No cause of death was given.

Ben-Nasr taught at Oberlin from fall 2022 through spring 2024, leading classes including Introduction to Comparative American Studies, Contemporary Arab American Literature, and Afro-Asian America: Intraminority Connections in Historical Perspective. 

According to Ben-Nasr’s Oberlin profile, her research interests included comparative U.S. ethnic literature, 20th- and 21st-century American literature, Arab American studies, Asian American studies, postcolonial and diaspora literature, and folklore studies.

Ben-Nasr also worked as a high school Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate English teacher at John Piersol McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was a visiting assistant professor at Bates College. She recently taught English as a Second Language at the John Marshall School of Engineering.

“She possessed a kindness and generosity that magnetized people to her,” read her obituary. “It was common for former students—from high schoolers she taught in the ’90s to recent college graduates—to reach out to her, eager to share their latest life updates.” 

Ben-Nasr earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology at Westminster College, a master’s degree in English from Millersville University, and a doctorate in English at Ohio State University. 

She is survived by her parents, a sister, and two brothers. Read more about her life and achievements in her online obituary.

Students who would benefit from support resources are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services. Additional campus support resources are also available if needed.