2024 Newsletter

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

Mar 25, 2024

Stephen Puryear Named Department Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences has named Stephen Puryear head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, effective July 1.

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.

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.