Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics

Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics is a prominent center for the study and promotion of ethical reasoning and leadership, located on the campus of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Established through a transformative gift from alumna and philanthropist Janet Prindle, the institute serves as a national hub for interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing moral issues. Its mission extends across the university curriculum and into the public sphere, engaging students, scholars, and the broader community. The institute is housed in a dedicated, architecturally significant building that facilitates its wide array of programs, lectures, and research initiatives.

History and founding

The institute was founded in 2007 following a major philanthropic commitment from Janet Prindle, a 1958 graduate of DePauw University and a successful investment manager. Her vision was to create a permanent institution dedicated to fostering ethical reflection and action, inspired by the liberal arts education she received. The establishment of the institute coincided with the presidency of Brian W. Casey, who championed its integration as a cornerstone of the university's academic mission. From its inception, the institute was designed to be a national leader in ethics education, drawing distinguished scholars like former director Robert G. Kennedy to shape its early direction. Its founding marked a significant moment in the history of DePauw University, aligning with a broader movement within American higher education to emphasize moral reasoning across disciplines.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to cultivate ethical awareness and decision-making skills in individuals and communities. This is pursued through a diverse portfolio of activities that bridge the academy and the public square. A central activity is hosting high-profile lecture series, bringing influential thinkers such as Kwame Anthony Appiah, Cornel West, and Peter Singer to campus. The institute also organizes major conferences on topics like climate ethics, bioethics, and business ethics, often in collaboration with organizations like the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. It runs a competitive summer internship program for students from across the United States and sponsors the Prindle Prize for Ethical Leadership. Furthermore, it produces widely accessed public resources, including the "Prindle Post" digital magazine and educational materials for K-12 education.

Academic programs and initiatives

The institute is deeply embedded in the academic life of DePauw University, supporting curriculum development and faculty research across departments. It offers the "Prindle Scholars" program, a selective cohort experience for undergraduates to undertake advanced independent research in ethics. The institute frequently sponsors faculty-student research partnerships and provides grants for course development that integrates ethical inquiry into subjects from computer science to theatre. Signature initiatives include the "Riley Democracy Fellowship," supporting work on democratic ethics, and the "Undergraduate Ethics Symposium," a national conference for student presentations. It also maintains a robust partnership with the university's Honors Program and the Mudd Gallery, often curating exhibitions on socially engaged art.

Leadership and governance

The institute is led by a director who reports to the President of DePauw University and works closely with an advisory board composed of faculty, alumni, and external experts. The founding director was Robert G. Kennedy, a professor of philosophy and law. Since 2015, the director has been Andrew Cullison, a philosopher specializing in epistemology and moral philosophy. Governance involves collaboration with the DePauw University Board of Trustees and the university's Academic Affairs office. The advisory board, which includes notable figures from academia, business, and the nonprofit sector, helps guide strategic priorities and connect the institute's work to wider national conversations in fields like corporate social responsibility and public policy.

Campus and facilities

The institute is housed in a stand-alone, LEED Gold-certified building set within the historic DePauw University campus. Designed by the architecture firm Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, the facility opened in 2010 and is noted for its sustainable design and integration with the surrounding landscape. The building features the "Parlor," a central gathering space for dialogue, dedicated seminar rooms, and the "Forbes Center for Ethics and Public Life." It also contains office space for staff, visiting scholars, and student fellows, as well as the "Prindle Library," a specialized collection of works on moral philosophy and applied ethics. The serene setting, adjacent to the DePauw University Nature Park, is intended to inspire contemplation and hosts outdoor classes and events.

Category:Ethics organizations Category:DePauw University Category:Organizations based in Indiana Category:Educational institutions established in 2007