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Joshua Seachris
Program Director for the Center for Philosophy of Religion at the University of Notre Dame
Professional Background
Joshua Seachris possesses a wealth of experience in project management, grant administration, and academia, with a focus on fostering educational environments that promote human flourishing. He has worked extensively within diverse higher educational contexts, including esteemed institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, Wake Forest University, the University of Oklahoma, and Hutchinson Community College. Joshua's professional career is characterized by his role in managing both pre- and post-award grant administration, contributing to the successful funding and implementation of grant projects totaling over $20 million.
His dedication to academic excellence is also evident in his teaching and research contributions as an adjunct professor of philosophy. Currently serving as the Program Director at the Center for Philosophy of Religion and an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame, Joshua continues to inspire students and advance scholarly discourse in philosophy.
Education and Achievements
Joshua's educational journey is marked by a commitment to deepening his understanding of theology and philosophy. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, where he developed a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for his career in academia and project management. Additionally, he earned an M.A. in Theology/Philosophy from seminary studies, showcasing his versatility in engaging with complex spiritual and philosophical questions.
Joshua's educational background is complemented by an Associate's degree from Hutchinson Community College and a B.S. in Psychology from Kansas State University. This diverse knowledge base enables him to approach challenges in higher education with creativity and insight, making significant contributions across varied academic contexts.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Joshua has been instrumental in the management of high-impact grant projects, each reflecting a strong alignment with his passions for philosophy and education. Among his notable achievements are:
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The Experience Project - Overseeing a $5.2 million grant from June 2014 to June 2017 at the University of Notre Dame, this project aimed to enhance the understanding of experiential learning and its implications in higher education.
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Hope and Optimism Project - In conjunction with the Experience Project, he managed another significant $5 million grant focused on exploring the narratives of hope and personal development in academic settings.
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The Analytic Theology Project - Joshua successfully managed a $2.5 million post-award grant which ran from August 2012 to September 2014, aimed at fostering scholarly research in analytic theology.
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The Character Project - As a grant manager at Wake Forest University, he played a crucial role in the $5.3 million project from September 2010 to March 2014, promoting research and education centered around moral character and its educational implications.
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The Theodicy Project - Joshua’s expertise in post-award management was showcased through the successful completion of this $2.5 million project from August 2012 to January 2014, which addressed profound philosophical questions surrounding evil and suffering.
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Hope & Optimism Planning Grant - This $260K planning grant at the University of Notre Dame, running from September 2012 to September 2013, contributed to further research focused on positive psychology and its application in academic life.
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Templeton Research Fellows Program - Joshua managed a $967K grant from May 2009 to August 2010 at the University of Oklahoma, supporting research initiatives that bridged philosophy and empirical research.
Joshua's career has been marked not only by his impressive management of grant projects but also by his ability to forge authentic relationships within the academic community. His collaborative spirit and commitment to education amplify his contributions to higher education, creating a lasting impact on students and fellow educators alike.
