Matthew J. Sayball

Matt has been a proud member of Seahawk Nation for over 25 years. He is also a Virginia Tech Hokie and a Santa Barbara Gaucho. As a member of the UNCW community, Matt began as an undergraduate student, became a peer-tutor for logic and philosophy, then became a part-time faculty member, and finally took his current role of full-time lecturer in 2015. Since his professional teaching career began in 2009, Matt has served as professor-of-record for over 180 courses.

Education

B.A. in Philosophy and Religion (dual concentrations in Philosophy and Religious Studies) with Honors in Philosophy, University of North Carolina Wilmington
M.A. in Philosophy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
M.A. in Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara
C.Phil. in Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara
Ph.D. in Philosophy (A.B.D.), University of California, Santa Barbara

Specialization in Teaching

In the classroom, Matt teaches courses in Medical Ethics and Logic most regularly, but occasionally also teaches introductory courses in philosophy and moral philosophy.

Research Interests

Matt's central area of research interests is metaphysics most particularly concerning the topics of personal identity and the ontology of persons. He is also interested in the topics of self-knowledge and self-blindless in epistemology as well as a range of topics in Applied Ethics and Medical Ethics, most especially the ethics of dementia care.

Professional Service

Most recently and currently, Matt prioritizes recruitment activities that promote the Philosophy and Religion (PAR) Department, the PAR major and minor options, and the transformative value of what studies in the PAR Department offer students in terms of their academic and personal growth potential. Occasionally, Matt presents research-related and topical talks to the Philosophy and Religion Society and leads discussions on those topics. Throughout the years, Matt has had a variety of other service roles ranging from journal and conference referee, conference organization and session chairing, university committee work, and textbook reviewer.

Community Engagement

Matt enjoys engaging with communities outside of the university setting. In past years, he has participated in Wings Up for Wilmington Seahawk days of service, events with the Alzheimer's Association, and has volunteered at memory care centers as a companion for people living with dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

Honors & Awards

Matt is regularly acknowledged by graduating Seahawk seniors as a member of the UNCW faculty who has made a significant difference in their academic journey.