Bergen Community College professor, Peter Dlugos, Ph.D., instructs philosophy, religion, wellness, and exercise science to “make deep thinking accessible to ordinary people.” He strives to help others to learn how to live well by focusing on topics such as happiness, mental health, and mindfulness.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives, and the life of the College,” said Dlugos. By integrating mindfulness practices into his teaching philosophy, his students have reported to him that they have experienced significant benefits.
“At Bergen I introduce students to philosophical thinking and the world’s spiritual traditions– to the life of the mind, and the heart,” said Dlugos. “I make it my job to open doors to self-exploration, and possible paths of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. What could be better?”
Through “public philosophy,” Dlugos enjoys bringing philosophy outside of the classroom. During 1999-2004, he facilitated the “Friends of Socrates” public philosophy discussion group at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey.
Dlugos developed the first for-credit mindfulness class at Bergen (WEX-133: Mindfulness and Good Health) in 2016. Dlugos writings and research have been published in the History of Philosophy Quarterly and The Routledge Biographical Dictionary of 20th Century Philosophers.
When exploring the world’s wisdom traditions, he began to focus on the South and East Asian traditions and simultaneously became involved in college-wide leadership along with accreditation and assessment activities. He chaired the Middle States Self-Study from 2005-2006.
Dlugos is currently studying and teaching the histories and ritual practices of the world religions while supporting the renewal of the General Education program. During 2014-2019, he served as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Dlugos was a Princeton Community College Faculty Program Recipient in Fall 2022.
Dlugos has instructed at the College since 1996 and has held positions of Lecturer, Professor, Department Chair, Chair of the General Education Committee, and a three-year appointment as Vice President of Research, Planning, Assessment, and Quality.
“Along the way, I’ve made enduring friendships with colleagues and former students,” said Dlugos.
“Bergen was, and continues to be, a place of tremendous opportunity,” said Dlugos. “It has offered me the flexibility to explore new areas and get involved with colleagues in other departments.”
When asked why he decided to work at Bergen, Dlugos said, “Quite simply, I love teaching: working with students is a source of joy.”
Dlugos holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate degree from the University of Virginia. He has a graduate certificate in Mindfulness for Educators from Antioch University (2013). Dlugos has expertise and specialties in comparative philosophy, philosophy of mind, early modern philosophy, Asian philosophy, and comparative religions.
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
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