Ali Beheler

Dr. Ali Beheler serves as Associate Professor of Philosophy and Co-Chair of the Department of History, Philosophy, & Religion at Hastings College, where she has taught since 2014. As Program Director for Philosophy, she teaches courses spanning ethics, feminist philosophy, art theory, ancient philosophy, and existentialism while emphasizing philosophy as a transformative practice of critical questioning.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy, DePaul University
• MA in Philosophy, Penn State University
• BA in Philosophy, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
• BA in English, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Her research centers on the dynamic intersections of poetry, philosophy, and feminist theory, exploring how poetic expression informs philosophical inquiry through feminist lenses. This interdisciplinary approach extends her foundational work on Nietzsche and language into contemporary examinations of selfhood and societal ideologies, consistently framing philosophy as a life practice with tangible societal impact.

Scientific Awards:

• Milton J. Kessler Memorial Prize in Poetry (Harpur Palate Literary Review, 2025)
• Editor’s Prize (Spoon River Poetry Review, 2024)
• Honorable mention in the Rash Poetry Awards (2024)

Dr. Beheler actively mentors students through faculty sponsorship of Seeking Understanding and previous advisory roles for feminist and gender-affirming student groups. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes real-world application of critical thinking, while her poetry publications demonstrate the creative dimensions of her scholarly work. Outside academia, she engages with music culture through Colorado trips and shares her life with her dog Emmylou.