Professor Shout-Out! Meet Dr. Mark Ledbetter

Dr. Mark Ledbetter, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies since 

Where did you attend school? 

B.A., Auburn University; M.Div., Duke University; Certificate, University of Durham, England; Ph.D., Emory University

Where else have you been employed?

Wesleyan College, Macon, Georgia; Huntingdon College, Montgomery, Alabama; Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi; Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Did you always want to teach?

At first, I wanted to teach and coach baseball and football at the high school level.  Then I wanted to do forestry, but soon came back to teaching.

What is the highlight of your academic career thus far?

I find the classroom one of the most exciting and invigorating spaces I know.  I’m not sure I can choose a particular moment.  I’ve published books, articles etc., but the moment I close the door to our classroom, the possibilities are endless.  I can’t remember a “bad” class.  Maybe the short answer is being a teacher.

What’s your favorite color?

My mother said I never had one as a child.  When asked this question as a kid, I would say, “what works now.”  That hasn’t changed.  My favorite color has always been the one that “fits” the moment, which means I get surprised.

Favorite places to eat in the Capital Region?

A tie here: Yono’s, Café Capriccio as well as Sweet Basil and Ala Shanghai. Am almost too eclectic to have a favorite.

Favorite TV shows?

I watch so little that I can be attracted to anything. I do love “Dr. Who,” though.

What is the last book your read?

Per Petterson’s “I Refuse”

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

No superpower.  I want to be Batman