Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Marwa Hassan Named Worley Professor of Excellence for LSU Baseball

It is with great pride, admiration, and heartfelt congratulations that we recognize Dr. Marwa Hassan on being named the Worley Professor of Excellence for LSU Baseball. This distinguished recognition is a testament not only to her exceptional academic achievements and tireless dedication to education and research but also to her invaluable contributions to the Louisiana State University community, particularly in bridging the world of academics and athletics.

The designation of “Worley Professor of Excellence” is a prestigious honor, awarded to faculty who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, mentorship, and service. In Dr. Hassan’s case, it also represents a unique celebration of her work in support of student-athletes, and the broader impact she continues to have in shaping future leaders both in the classroom and on the field.

Dr. Marwa Hassan is a renowned scholar in civil and environmental engineering, whose research spans sustainable construction materials, transportation infrastructure, and environmental resilience. As a faculty member at LSU, she has demonstrated a rare ability to make complex engineering concepts accessible and exciting for her students. Her classroom is not just a place for learning formulas and theories—it is a training ground for critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

Her pioneering work in sustainable infrastructure has not only been published in top-tier academic journals but has also influenced policy and practice in transportation engineering across the nation. Dr. Hassan has successfully led multidisciplinary research initiatives that have brought millions of dollars in funding to LSU, elevated the university’s national research profile, and opened the doors for numerous students—both graduate and undergraduate—to pursue research careers of their own.

Her mentorship has launched countless academic and professional careers. Students consistently praise her for her clarity, compassion, and ability to challenge them intellectually while supporting them personally. Dr. Hassan’s open-door policy and genuine care for her students’ well-being extend beyond academics, often including career guidance, personal development, and encouragement through life’s challenges.

Perhaps what makes this recognition particularly noteworthy is Dr. Hassan’s unique impact on the LSU Baseball program—a traditionally athletic space that has been profoundly enriched by her academic influence. In an environment where student-athletes must balance the demands of rigorous sports schedules with full academic responsibilities, faculty members like Dr. Hassan play a crucial role.

Her support for LSU Baseball and its student-athletes demonstrates the importance of a holistic approach to education. Dr. Hassan has been an advocate for ensuring that athletes receive the same opportunities for academic growth as their peers. She has gone above and beyond to accommodate athletic schedules, provide tailored academic support, and ensure that her classrooms are inclusive spaces where student-athletes can excel without compromise.

For these reasons, her selection as the Worley Professor of Excellence is both symbolic and deeply deserved. She represents the ideals of LSU: academic integrity, excellence in teaching, commitment to community, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

LSU Baseball is one of the most celebrated programs in collegiate sports, known not only for its national championships and competitive spirit but also for fostering personal growth, discipline, and leadership among its players. The program values excellence on the diamond and in the classroom, understanding that the student-athlete model only works when the academic mission is held in equal esteem to athletic success.

By selecting Dr. Hassan for this honor, LSU Baseball affirms the essential partnership between athletics and academics. It highlights the importance of professors who believe in student-athletes and who actively contribute to their development—not just as players, but as scholars, professionals, and citizens.

Dr. Hassan’s presence in the lives of these athletes provides a model of intellectual excellence and resilience. She teaches by example, showing what it means to pursue truth, serve others, and lead with integrity. Her recognition also sends a powerful message to students: that greatness is not confined to one arena, and that the habits of hard work, discipline, and passion apply equally to the laboratory and the ball field.

As a woman in engineering and a leader in academia, Dr. Hassan also stands as an inspiring role model, particularly for young women pursuing careers in STEM fields. Her achievements demonstrate that leadership and excellence in engineering are not defined by gender but by vision, perseverance, and a commitment to innovation.

Her recognition as the Worley Professor of Excellence is also a celebration of diversity in leadership. It recognizes the importance of elevating voices and talents from all backgrounds and showing future generations that excellence comes in many forms.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hassan has actively mentored women and underrepresented students in engineering. She has advocated for inclusive policies and served on numerous university committees aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Her work has helped build a more equitable academic environment at LSU—one where every student, regardless of background, can thrive.

In addition to her academic and research accomplishments, Dr. Hassan has shown a deep commitment to service. She has led initiatives that connect engineering students to real-world challenges, such as community infrastructure projects, sustainability education programs, and disaster recovery efforts.

Her involvement in these projects reflects a broader philosophy: that education should not exist in a vacuum, but must engage with and uplift the community. By encouraging her students to apply their knowledge to serve others, Dr. Hassan fosters a spirit of civic responsibility and engagement that complements their academic growth.

In a time when higher education is increasingly asked to demonstrate its value to society, leaders like Dr. Hassan stand as exemplars of how scholarship, teaching, and service can be interwoven to produce tangible, lasting impact.

It is difficult to overstate the pride that the LSU community feels in seeing Dr. Marwa Hassan receive this honor. Colleagues admire her for her tireless work ethic, intellectual rigor, and collaborative spirit. Students look up to her as a mentor and advocate. Administrators value her as a thought leader and problem-solver who consistently works toward the betterment of the university.

The LSU Baseball team, in particular, expresses profound gratitude for her support and engagement. The naming of Dr. Hassan as the Worley Professor of Excellence is not only a formal acknowledgment of her achievements—it is a heartfelt thank you from a team, a program, and a community that has been enriched by her presence.

From the stadium lights of Alex Box Stadium to the classrooms of the LSU College of Engineering, Dr. Hassan’s influence is felt deeply and widely. Her ability to inspire, support, and elevate those around her is a rare gift—one that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

As Dr. Marwa Hassan embarks on this new chapter as the Worley Professor of Excellence, we are excited to see how she will continue to shape the future of LSU and its students. Her passion for teaching, her visionary research, and her deep commitment to student success promise continued innovation and growth.

We also hope that this recognition serves as a model for other institutions—reminding us all of the critical importance of supporting faculty who go the extra mile to bridge academics and athletics, who advocate for students across all domains, and who lead with compassion and excellence.

In closing, we once again offer our warmest congratulations to Dr. Marwa Hassan. This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the high esteem in which you are held by students, athletes, faculty, and the entire LSU family. Your work makes a difference every day—and your legacy will continue to inspire excellence for generations to come.

Congratulations, Dr. Hassan!