Who is Noelle McAfee? All About Emory University Philosophy Professor, Arrested at Campus

Noelle McAfee (age 63, born November 25, 1960) is a prominent political theorist and feminist. Currently, she holds the position of chair in the philosophy department at Emory University, a role she’s held since 2010.

Alongside being a Professor of Philosophy, she’s also a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory. Noelle directs Emory’s Psychoanalytic Studies Program and is affiliated with the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Department.

Before her time at Emory, McAfee taught at various institutions, including Brandeis University. Her interests span across democratic theory, new media, and psychoanalytic theories of the public sphere.

Beyond academia, Noelle is actively involved in public discourse. She co-chairs the Public Philosophy Network and serves as an associate editor of the Kettering Review. She’s also dedicated time to political issues in Washington, D.C., adding a practical dimension to her academic work.

Noelle McAfee was taken into custody by Atlanta police

On April 25, 2024, During a peaceful protest, Noelle McAfee was taken into custody by Atlanta police. Video footage captured the moment she was arrested at a pro-Palestine campus demonstration.

Despite her claims of being an observer rather than a participant, McAfee was escorted away in handcuffs by a masked officer.

Jail records didn’t show her arrest or charges, and she didn’t comment on the incident. Both the police and the university didn’t address McAfee’s arrest in their statements.

Noelle published multiple books

Noelle McAfee has been a prolific author throughout her career, producing a significant body of work spanning various topics.

In 2000, she published “Habermas, Kristeva, and Citizenship” (Cornell), showcasing her early scholarly contributions. Four years later, in 2004, McAfee released “Julia Kristeva” (Routledge), further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Her book “Democracy and the Political Unconscious” (Columbia) came out in 2008, delving into the intersection of democracy and psychoanalysis. Fast forward to 2019, Her work “Fear of Breakdown: Politics and Psychoanalysis” (Columbia) earned her recognition, winning the American Psychoanalytic Association’s 2020 Courage to Dream Book Award.

Her most recent publication, “Feminism: A Quick Immersion” (Tibidabo Publishing), hit the shelves in 2021, offering accessible insights into feminist theory.

Beyond her books, Noelle McAfee has contributed over 80 articles and essays to academic discourse, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge.

McAfee’s career before joining Emory University 

Noelle McAfee’s academic journey began in 1998–1999 when she served as a lecturer in political theory at UT Austin’s Department of Government.

She then transitioned to the Department of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, starting as an assistant professor in 1999. By 2003, she was promoted to associate professor, a role she held until 2007.

In 2004, McAfee accepted an appointment as the Allen-Berenson Visiting Associate Professor of Philosophy and Women’s Studies at Brandeis University. Additionally, she served as a visiting associate professor of philosophy at George Mason University from 2006 to 2008.

In 2005, She played a pivotal role in establishing the Future of Public Media Project at American University, thanks to funding from the Ford Foundation. She also became a scholar-in-residence at American University in 2005, later becoming a research professor in 2006.

Moving forward, Noelle joined George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in 2008, remaining until 2010.

Noelle once worked as a public interest activist

Noelle McAfee was born on November 25, 1960, to her mother Marika Chaniotakis McAfee, and father Horatio Paul in Tagiura, Libya,

She pursued her education diligently, earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986, followed by a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University in 1987.

Noelle’s career path diverged into activism and academia. From 1987 to 1988, she worked for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch, advocating for public interest issues. She then took leadership roles within the National Writers Union, serving as chairperson of the D.C. local from 1988 to 1989 and as vice president at large from 1990 to 1991.

During her time as a public interest activist in Washington, D.C., McAfee began to question the efficacy of her work without a well-informed and engaged citizenry capable of democratic self-governance.

To delve deeper into these concerns, she returned to academia to study philosophy. In 1990, she obtained a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, concurrently assuming the role of associate editor of the Kettering Review.

Continuing her academic pursuits, Noelle earned her doctorate in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998.

Noelle McAfee is a mother of Two

Noelle McAfee shares her life with her husband David Armstrong. David holds the position of Executive Editor at the Georgia News Lab, an acclaimed investigative reporting collaborative.

Additionally, he serves as a Journalist in Residence and Lecturer at Georgia State University, as well as an editor at The Texas Observer. Notably, David is also a Senior Lecturer and Journalist in Residence at Emory University.

The couple has two talented children: Eliza Dorothy Armstrong McAfee and Guthrie McAfee Armstrong. Guthrie graduated from the University of Georgia and now works as a Platform Engineer at New York Public Radio.

Read Also: Who is Caroline Fohlin? All About Emory University Economics Professor, Detained By Police

Noelle McAfee FAQs

Ques: Who is Noelle McAfee’s husband? 

Ans: David Armstrong.

Ques: What is Noelle McAfee’s age?

Ans: McAfee is 63 years old.

Ques: Who are Noelle McAfee’s parents?

Ans: Mother: Marika Chaniotakis McAfee, and Father: Horatio Paul.