Roger A. Petry

Dr. Roger A. Petry is a Professor of Philosophy at Luther College at the University of Regina in the Department of Philosophy and Classics. He serves in multiple leadership capacities including Coordinator of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Program, Co-coordinator of the U of R Certificate in Sustainability, and Co-coordinator of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan (RCE Saskatchewan). Appointed Regional Advisor for RCEs in the Americas by the United Nations University (UNU) starting in 2020, Dr. Petry also serves as the institutional lead on 'Responsible Consumption and Production' for the International Association of Universities (IAU) Thematic Cluster on Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD), supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal #12.

As a Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Petry earned degrees in philosophy and mathematics from the University of Regina, philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) and philosophical theology from the University of Oxford, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in 2008 through the Canadian Plains Studies Program at the University of Regina. His doctoral research examined university innovation for sustainable development in relation to commercialization and open source licensing strategies.

Dr. Petry's research spans multiple interdisciplinary areas connecting philosophy with sustainability challenges. His work investigates the ethics of autonomous equipment, free software and commercialization strategies for prairie innovation in sustainability, processes of transition to new production systems including transformational technologies, education for sustainable development, philosophy of empire and the early Christian church, arguments from religious experience, natural histories of religion, and connections between ancient philosophy, religion, and mathematics. His recent publications and presentations demonstrate a consistent focus on how educational institutions can lead in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through institutional transformation and innovative pedagogical approaches.

• Rhodes Scholar
• Regional Advisor for RCEs in the Americas (UNU, 2020-present)
• Institutional lead for IAU Thematic Cluster on SDG #12
• Co-coordinator of RCE Saskatchewan

As an educator, Dr. Petry teaches across the philosophy curriculum from introductory to graduate levels, with specialized courses in sustainable development, ethics, and philosophy of religion. His teaching extends into interdisciplinary contexts through the PPE program, global citizenship courses, and collaborations with mathematics and religious studies. Dr. Petry's leadership in sustainability education initiatives provides unique opportunities for students to engage with global networks and practical sustainability projects that bridge academic theory with real-world application.

Dr. Petry leads multiple initiatives focused on sustainable development education and research. As Co-coordinator of RCE Saskatchewan, he works with one of over 180 Regional Centres of Expertise recognized globally by the United Nations University to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His leadership in the IAU Thematic Cluster specifically supports institutional transformation toward Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG #12) through a whole-institution, cultural approach to campus sustainability.