Philosophy Chair Steps Down After 28 Years
Theodore Vitali, C.P., Ph.D., the longtime chair of the Department of Philosophy, is stepping down after 28 years. Vitali (Grad A&S ’74 and ’76) has served as chair since 1989.
During Vitali’s tenure, he coordinated the hiring of three endowed chairs – James Bohman, Ph.D., Eleonore Stump, Ph.D., and John Greco, Ph.D. – and helped raise the graduate program’s profile to rank as one of the top 50 in the nation.
Vitali’s research interests include philosophical theology and environmental philosophy.
He is currently at work exploring the historical and cultural forerunners of classical
American philosophy and serves as the professional ethicist for the Boone and Crockett
Club.
He will return to the department’s teaching faculty following a sabbatical during
the 2017-18 academic year.
Scott Ragland, Ph.D., will succeed Vitali and praised his “deep integrity, unwavering
care for persons and inspiring leadership” in promoting the University’s Jesuit and
Catholic educational mission.