Lauren O’Dell, assistant professor of philosophy, has made a career out of questions. She received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and went on to earn her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Kentucky. O’Dell served as a lecturer at University of Louisville and Georgia State University before coming to Wilkes to help Colonels seek answers.
Read on to learn more about O’Dell’s favorite classes, her passion for health humanities and her weird job in college.
Where is home for you?
I’m from Wisconsin originally, but I’ve been wandering around the country since I graduated high school. I’m excited to put down some roots here.
How long have you been at Wilkes?
This year will be year two.
What’s your favorite class to teach?
I only teach my favorite classes! But if I had to choose, Feminist Philosophy is always great, as is Philosophy and Science Fiction. I’m hoping to keep adding interesting courses to the philosophy curriculum. Check back for some cool updates.
What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a college professor?
Being a menace, as underemployed philosophers tend to be (see Diogenes).
Why is Wilkes a good fit for you?
I went to a school kind of like Wilkes for my undergraduate degree, and it changed my life. It helped me navigate college as a first-gen student, connected me with supportive mentors and gave me the freedom and flexibility to really figure out what I wanted to do with my degree.
When I started thinking about my career in higher ed, I knew I wanted to work at a school where I could return the favor. I truly believe in the mission of smaller schools and the moral value of a liberal arts education. I feel very lucky to be a part of that at Wilkes.
What are the biggest challenges in your role/research?
AI. We know why.
What are you most excited about in your role/research?
We just formed the interdisciplinary health humanities minor [and concentration], and I am really excited to see how that takes off. It has been a long-held passion project of mine, and I am thrilled to actualize it here at Wilkes. I really think students are going to love it, and I am excited to work with faculty in other fields to bring it all together.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
Kirby Hall has a great aesthetic. We host Philosotea there once a month, where students talk about philosophy over tea and pastries. It’s a perfect location for that.
People would be surprised to learn that I … was a late-night radio DJ in college. We should all do weird jobs when we’re young.
What are you reading and/or watching right now?
How to Die by Ray Robertson. But don’t worry. It’s funny. And for a class I’m teaching.
If I have a free day, you’ll find me … You won’t.
Anything else you want people to know?
Take philosophy classes. We’re only having a good time.