Philosophy Alumni Profile
Derek Jones
Class of 2003
As an undergraduate, Derek Jones took a range of courses but was drawn to the clarity and precision of philosophy. "Although I enjoyed many of my other courses," he noted, "I found that the things I liked most about them — discussions of meaning, knowledge, and the nature of the world around me — were handled most directly and precisely in the philosophy curriculum." At UE, Derek was active academically and socially. He held positions in a number of student organizations and graduated with majors in philosophy, literature, and creative writing.
After graduating from UE, Derek was deployed to Pristina, Kosovo, with the U.S. Army National Guard. Serving as executive officer for an infantry company, he found himself balancing logistical responsibilities with additional duties, including intelligence analysis and public relations. "Though some think philosophy isn't a practical discipline, it's a field that emphasizes problem-solving and analysis, which are valuable skills for any line of work. My philosophical training at UE provided me with the skills I needed to produce original solutions to unconventional problems in a complex and morally ambiguous environment."
Since returning from Kosovo, Derek has earned an MA in philosophy from the University of Houston and is pursuing a PhD in philosophy at Indiana University. His education at UE prepared him well for graduate work. "The UE philosophy faculty members are knowledgeable, and they are active participants in some of the most cutting-edge debates in the field," he said. "Moreover, they're excellent teachers and mentors."
