Aaron Harper named director of Essential Studies
Harper, currently serving as professor and department chair at West Liberty University in West Virginia, starts Aug. 1 at UND
The University of North Dakota has named Aaron Harper as its next director of Essential Studies, following a national search that included input from faculty, staff, students and the broader campus community.
The appointment was made by Eric Link, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. The position will report to Karyn Plumm, UND’s vice provost of Undergraduate Studies & Student Success.
“I would like to thank the search committee, chaired by Dr. Kim Donehower, for their time and effort in conducting this search,” said Plumm.
“I’m very excited to welcome Dr. Aaron Harper to UND as the next Essential Studies director. Dr. Harper brings knowledge of curriculum and general education design, experience in collaborating with faculty and a predilection for consensus-building that will contribute to his success in this position.”
Harper brings experience in teaching, program development and academic leadership. At West Liberty University, he worked closely with faculty across disciplines while helping guide curriculum and departmental priorities.
Harper said he is looking forward to stepping into the position.
“Essential Studies is central to every student’s curriculum, so it’s an honor to play a role in shaping that curriculum going forward,” Harper said. “I’m excited to work with faculty, students, advisors and really the entire UND community to highlight the value of Essential Studies and to build on what has already been accomplished in the program.”
In this role, Harper will provide vision and leadership for UND’s Essential Studies program, supporting its continued development and working closely with faculty, staff and advisors across campus. He will collaborate with academic units on curriculum, help promote innovative teaching and contribute to ongoing efforts that support student learning and success.
About Aaron Harper
Aaron Harper is professor of Philosophy at West Liberty University in West Virginia, where he serves as chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Additionally, he directs the Interdisciplinary Studies program, which includes development and oversight of program curriculum and assessment. Actively involved in administrative aspects of the Honors College, he developed its first-year seminar and oversaw all senior research projects for several years.
Harper has taught a wide range of courses across philosophy curriculum and in support of related disciplines. He advises social science majors and has mentored English capstone students. Harper’s dedicated efforts have been recognized as College of Liberal Arts Professor of the year (2020–21) and with the university’s award for Excellence in Professional Activity (2016–17).
Harper has published and presented scholarly work on topics in the history of philosophy, ethics, political philosophy and philosophy of sport. He is the author of the monograph “Sport Realism: A Law-Inspired Theory of Sport,” which defends an innovative account of the nature of sport before applying it to philosophical and ethical issues in sport.
A Nebraska native, Harper earned his B.A. in philosophy at Creighton University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In his free time, he enjoys running, visiting National Parks and spending time with his family.
Harper will begin his role on Aug. 1, 2026.
