The Eastern Division of the Society for Women in Philosophy (SWIP) has announced that it has named Peggy DesAutels, professor of philosophy at the University of Dayton, as its Distinguished Woman in Philosophy for 2014. DesAutels works in ethics, moral psychology, feminist philosophy, cognitive science, and biomedical ethics. According to the nomination, DesAutels “exemplifies all of the sorts of qualities that this position represents: excellent and original philosophical scholarship…and leading activism on behalf of diversity and justice in the profession.”

From the press release: “She chaired the American Philosophical Association’s Committee on the Status of Women and through her leadership founded the committee’s Site Visit Program that works with college and university philosophy departments to improve overall diversity and the climate for women…. DesAutels said, ‘I am deeply honored to receive this award. I wish to thank those who have collaborated with and supported me along the way. I will continue to do what I can to help make the philosophy profession more inclusive for all.'”