Alumni Spotlight

Ryan Streeter

Ryan Streeter

How did NIU Philosophy help prepare you for your doctoral program/career in philosophy?

The NIU Philosophy program's academic rigor cultivated not just an appreciation for the highest standards in philosophical research, but gave me the tools to pursue those standards. When I arrived at Emory University to begin my Ph.D., I was well-equipped for what lay ahead — so much so, that doing my doctorate was actually fun!

What do you feel is special about NIU Philosophy?

As someone who did not study philosophy as an undergraduate, NIU Philosophy helped me learn how to think, read, and write as a philosopher. The faculty had an appreciation for people coming from diverse backgrounds in a way you don't find elsewhere.

Why would you recommend NIU Philosophy to applicants to MA programs?

I would recommend NIU philosophy to aspiring doctoral students who, like me, only discovered their interest in philosophy too late in their undergraduate studies or afterwards. It was the perfect place to learn and the art and science of the field and to get prepared for top-tier doctoral programs.

Occupation

Director, Domestic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute

Prof. Streeter has published Op-Eds and made media appearances in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, National Review, Weekly Standard, Fox News, BBC, Sky News, al Jazeera and others.

Previous Appointments

Executive Director of the Center for Politics and Governance and Clinical Professor of Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin, 2015-2016

Adjunct Fellow, Baylor Institute on Religion, 2010-2014

Transatlantic Nonresident Fellow, German Marshall Fund, 2010-2012

Adjunct Fellow, Hudson Institute, 2002-2008

Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Fellow, 2000

Education

Ph.D., philosophy, Emory University, 2002

M.A., philosophy, Northern Illinois University, 1995

B.A., theology, Moody Bible Institute, 1991