Joe M. Balay

Joe M. Balay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Christopher Newport University (CNU), where he has been a faculty member since 2015. His academic work bridges Continental Philosophy, Environmental Philosophy, and Philosophy of Art, with a focus on 19th/20th Century Western philosophy traditions.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, Pennsylvania State University
• BA in Philosophy, Seattle University
• MA in English, California State University, Northridge
• BA in English, Pepperdine University

Research Focus: Balay's scholarship examines intersections between Existentialist/Phenomenological frameworks and environmental ethics, while also analyzing aesthetic dimensions in film and literature. He co-leads two unique study programs: Environmental Encounters in Iceland and Environmental Encounters in the National Parks.

Teaching Contributions: Courses include PHIL 317: Existentialism, PHIL 376: Environmental Ethics, and PHIL 451: Great Philosophers (focusing on Heidegger, Nietzsche, Sartre). He also coordinates CNU's Philosophy and Film series.

Recognition:

• 2024 CNU Faculty Excellence Award in Interdisciplinarity