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2024 Newsletter

Exterior of Withers Hall

Jun 28, 2024

In Brief: More News from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Leadership Changes: After twenty years as head of the department, Michael Pendlebury retired on January 1, 2024. Stephen Puryear, Professor of Philosophy and Associate Head, served as interim head in Spring 2024 and was appointed as the ongoing head from July 1, 2024. Robert Mabrito served as interim associate head during Spring 2024. Karey Harwood… 

Picture of graduates sitting in front row with audience behind

Jun 24, 2024

Spring Graduation Reaches New Heights

Eighteen students graduated with degrees in one or more of our disciplines this spring. A remarkable two-thirds of these graduated with honors: eight summa cum laude (GPA ≥ 3.75), one magna cum laude (GPA 3.5–3.749), and three cum laude (GPA 3.25–3.449). One graduate also completed the University Honors Program and two completed the University Scholars… 

Cadey Campbell, Cutter Bell, and Andrew Paul

Jun 21, 2024

Top Seniors Win Awards

The NC State Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies celebrated the academic achievements of its top seniors at its spring graduation ceremony on May 3. Three awards were presented by faculty members who had worked closely with the award winners. The Religious Studies Prize in Honor of Professor W. Curtis Fitzgerald The Religious Studies Prize in… 

front of NC State's Winston Hall

Jun 18, 2024

Looking Back: Department News from the Past

2013-14: Stephen Puryear (Ph.D., Pittsburgh) and Sanem Soyarslan (Ph.D., Duke) appointed as Assistant Professors of Philosophy. Puryear, who joined the department in 2008 as a Teaching Assistant Professor, is promoted to Associate Professor in 2017, to Professor in 2023, and is appointed Department Head in 2024. Soyarslan is promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. Christine… 

Picture of Karey Harwood

Jun 17, 2024

Karey Harwood Named Associate Head

Karey Harwood, associate professor of Religious Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS), has been appointed as associate head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at NC State. She assumes her new role on July 1, 2024. Harwood joined NC State in 2003 after earning her Ph.D. from the Graduate Division of Religion at… 

autonomous vehicle image

Mar 28, 2024

What are the Risks and Rewards of Autonomous Vehicles?

Four faculty scholars offer insights on the economic, moral and social consequences autonomous vehicles pose. 

Picture of Professor Marina F. Bykova

Mar 11, 2024

Bykova on German Idealism and the War in Ukraine

Professor Marina Bykova shares her thoughts on the contemporary relevance of German Idealism and on the War in Ukraine. 

Dec 12, 2023

John Carroll Retires

After serving for over 28 years at NC State, John Carroll, professor of philosophy, is retiring on January 1, 2024. 

A student walks by Withers Hall.

Dec 6, 2023

Philosophy and Religious Studies Head Michael Pendlebury Retires

After 20 years as head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Michael Pendlebury is retiring, effective Jan. 1, 2024. 

Dec 4, 2023

Rutgers Professor Gives World Philosophy Day Lecture on Stories and Selves

The speaker at NC State University’s seventh World Philosophy Day Lecture was Elisabeth Camp of Rutgers University, whose title was “Stories and Selves: A Twisted Love Story about the Meaning of Life.”