Tess Varner

Tess Varner serves as Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at Concordia College, where she has been a faculty member since 2016. She additionally holds affiliate faculty appointments across Global Studies, Environmental Studies, Interfaith Studies, and Social Activism programs.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, an MLA from Oklahoma City University, and a B.S. from Oklahoma Christian University.

Varner’s research centers on the intersection of feminist-pragmatism, environmental philosophy, and pedagogy, with concentrated focus on wildness in the American West and conservation language politics. She has pioneered experiential learning through courses like Walking and Talking: Active and Embodied Philosophical Inquiry and internationally immersive study-away programs in U.S. national parks and Norway’s peacebuilding landscapes.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• Jane Addams Prize (2020) from The Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy
• Mellow Prize (2022) from The Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy
• John William Miller Society Essay Prize (2023)

As an educator, Varner teaches core philosophy courses while innovating curriculum development. She currently serves as Vice President/President-Elect for the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy, though specific grant funding or student advising details remain unmentioned in available documentation.

No laboratory or dedicated research team affiliations are referenced in the source material.