The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) has named Karey Harwood, professor of Religious Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS), as the head of the Departmentof Philosophy and Religious Studies. 

Before her official appointment, Harwood served the department as associate head and, most recently, as interim head. Since joining CHASS in 2003, she has also held various administrative roles, including coordinator of the WGS program.

As interim department head, Harwood helped oversee the introduction of several new courses, including Philosophical Foundations of Democracy and Religion, Freedom, and American Democracy, as well as a new minor, Philosophy of Law. She also coordinated the successful screening and panel discussion for Sinners and recently concluded a four-year term as a Park Faculty Scholar for the Class of 2026.

“Karey has shown the leadership skills necessary to lead the department effectively, and her long-standing experience at CHASS provides her with a deep understanding of our institutional dynamics and the agility to adapt to changing academic environments,” said Deanna Dannels, dean of the college. “Additionally, Karey’s established cross-departmental relationships will be a vital asset in driving meaningful, interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Of her plans as department head, Harwood said: “My vision centers on nurturing a supportive environment for our top-notch faculty, ensuring robust research support, maximizing resources, and expanding our reach through community and interdisciplinary engagement to prepare our students as careful thinkers and confident communicators.”

Most of Harwood’s research and writing has focused on bioethics, particularly reproductive technologies such as egg freezing and IVF. More recently, her interests have broadened to include public education and its role in a democratic society.

She is the author of two books, The Infertility Treadmill: Feminist Ethics, Personal Choice, and the Use of Reproductive Technologies and Wake: Why the Battle over Diverse Public Schools Still Matters. She has also written numerous articles and book chapters on feminist bioethics.

A gifted educator, Harwood received an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010—which included her induction into the NC State Academy of Outstanding Teachers—and an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award in 2019.

Harwood holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Emory University’s Ethics and Society program, which combines ethics and the sociology of religion. She also holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School and a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University.