Wes is a philosophy instructor in the department of General Education. He holds an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, an M.A. in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas, and an M.F.A. in Writing from Hamline University. He completed his undergraduate degree at Luther College with majors in philosophy and English. Wes studied Scandinavian languages and culture at the University of Bergen, Norway, and recently spent a sabbatical period studying the philosophy of technology and researching technical education in the Netherlands. Before coming to DCTC, Wes taught English at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Wes teaches Critical Thinking, Critical Thinking for College Success, Introduction to Logic, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Medical Ethics, Philosophy of Sex and Love, Philosophy of Technology and Design, and Philosophy of the Arts and Architecture. He focuses on practical skills in his instruction, and he says about his approach, "I design my courses so students learn processes of analysis and evaluation they can use in the real world." Wes is a co-advisor of the Creative Arts and Writing Club, the chair of the Academic Affairs and Standards Council, and Legislative Liaison for the faculty. He is interested in the philosophy of language, continental philosophy, poetry, theater, and Scandinavian culture.