Samira Sayeh was an associate professor of French and Italian at Kansas University. She died of cancer in February.

Kansas University is mourning the death of a noted scholar of French-speaking cultures.

Samira Sayeh, who was a KU associate professor of French and francophone studies, died of cancer in February at the age of 44.

Sayeh joined KU in 2005. Her work explored the language, literature and culture of the French-speaking world, focusing largely on North African and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Along with serving in the French and Italian department, she held a courtesy appointment in KU’s African and African-American studies department.

Additionally, Sayeh directed the KU Haitian Studies Institute and sat on the International Council for Francophone Studies’ board of directors.

In 2011 she received the Del Shankel Teaching Excellence Award, which is presented by the KU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She also won the Jessie Marie Senor Cramer and Ann Cramer Root Faculty Award through the French and Italian department.

Sayeh studied English literature in Lyon, France, before earning her Ph.D. in French and Francophone studies from Pennsylvania State University

Caroline Jewers, chairwoman of the French and Italian department, said in a statement that Sayeh’s “enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring made her a valued member of our department and community.”

“She made a lasting impact on her students and on those with whom she worked. We will never forget her time among us, and she will be greatly missed,” Jewers said.

A memorial service for Sayeh is planned from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 10, in the Pine Room of the Kansas Union.