David Schwartz

David Schwartz served as Professor of Comparative Philosophy and the Mary Frances Williams Chair in Humanities at Randolph College for nearly three decades before retiring in 2024. He earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University and advanced degrees from Rice University, joining Randolph in 1997 after teaching at TCU and auditing federal programs at the U.S. General Accounting Office.

His academic background includes:

• Bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University
• Master's degree from Rice University
• PhD from Rice University

Dr. Schwartz specialized in Ethics, Philosophy of Art, Environmental Philosophy, and Comparative Philosophy, publishing extensively on consumer ethics (notably his 2010 book "Consuming Choices") and rewilding conservation. He championed Randolph's transition to a comparative philosophy curriculum, integrating non-Western traditions from Asia, Africa, and the global south. His teaching philosophy emphasized student-driven exploration in courses like Philosophy of Art and Ethics and Public Life.

Beyond academia, Schwartz gained local prominence for his "Ant Car"—a 1984 Volvo decorated with giant ants since 2004, created with student collaborators and featured in parades nationwide. He credited Randolph's community and academic flexibility for his three-decade tenure, advising students to "show up for life" to avoid "missed opportunities."