Kelly A. Parker

Kelly A. Parker is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Grand Valley State University, where he is affiliated with the Department of Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His academic work bridges American pragmatism, environmental philosophy, and sustainability education.

• University: Grand Valley State University
• School: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Department: Department of Philosophy
• Position: Professor and Director, Environmental Studies Program
• Email: parkerk@gvsu.edu, kap@protonmail.com

His research centers on American philosophy, particularly the works of Charles S. Peirce and Josiah Royce, and extends into environmental pragmatism, aesthetics, and the philosophy of sustainability. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating philosophical inquiry with environmental studies, ethics, and civic engagement.

Parker’s recent publications reflect a sustained focus on resilience, environmental justice, and pedagogical innovation. His edited volume Pragmatist and American Philosophical Perspectives on Resilience (2019) explores resilience as a pragmatic concept with applications in environmental and social contexts. Other recent writings include teaching resources on environmental justice and climate change, demonstrating his commitment to accessible, applied philosophy. His earlier scholarship includes The Continuity of Peirce's Thought (1998) and studies on Neoplatonism in Peirce’s metaphysics.

• Key Research Themes:
• Environmental pragmatism and civic philosophy
• Philosophy of resilience and sustainability
• Interdisciplinary environmental education
• Peirce’s semeiotic and metaphysics
• Josiah Royce and community ethics

Kelly A. Parker has been actively involved in curriculum development, teaching courses such as Environmental Justice, Aesthetics, and the Environmental Problem Solving capstone. He also contributes to public philosophy through accessible writings and open educational resources. His work underscores the relevance of classical American philosophy to contemporary environmental and ethical challenges.