Our Mission
The Department of Philosophy and Religion provides distinctive academic programs in which students critically and creatively examine the beliefs, values, practices, and institutions that shape human lives. The department guides students in becoming reflective and resilient individuals who contribute to their communities in constructive and meaningful ways. It achieves this mission through excellence in teaching, research, and service; a variety of pedagogical approaches and research methods; collegial and collaborative relationships; and an abiding commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. In its curriculum and campus engagements, it recognizes a plurality of the world’s many philosophical and religious perspectives.
Meet Our Majors
Meet some of our current and recently graduated majors in philosophy and religious studies.
Award-Winning Faculty
Dr. Laura Ammon
Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award (2023)
The award recognizes a full-time App State employee who has contributed significantly to improving the freshman experience on our campus.
College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers Award (2012-13)
This award recognizes excellence in teaching.
Dr. Rick Elmore
College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers Award (2020-21)
This award recognizes excellence in teaching.
SGA Outstanding Professor for the College of Arts and Sciences (2016-17)
This is a student-nominated award sponsored by the Student Government Association and awarded to one faculty member in each college of the University.
Dr. Sandie Gravett
Jimmy Smith Outstanding Service Award (2022-23)
The award honors the faculty member who has demonstrated meaningful and significant service to the College, the University and/or the faculty member's profession.
Dr. Davis Hankins
William C. Strickland Outstanding Junior Faculty Award (2016-17)
The award honors a member of the faculty who has demonstrated, while at the University, the highest standards of excellence in research, scholarship and contributions to his/her academic field.
Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt
College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Engagement Award (2023-24)
This award honors a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with outstanding accomplishments in Engagement, defined as representing the university to cultivate partnerships and initiatives that address community issues, enhance scholarship, research and creative activities, support curriculum, teaching and learning, and contribute to the public good. Engagement extends beyond outreach to include mutual benefit to all involved.
Dr. Ostwalt won a 2019 Wilbur Award for his interview on "Religion in Life" with the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Wilbur Awards honor excellence by individuals in secular media – print and online journalism, book publishing, broadcasting, and motion pictures – for communicating religious issues, values and themes.
Dr. Randall Reed
College of Arts and Sciences Academy of Outstanding Teachers Inductee & Outstanding TT Teacher of the Year Award (2023-24)
These honors recognize excellence in teaching.