George Wolfe, professor of music, will succeed Phyllis Zimmerman as director of the center which offers mediation services for students and employees and has brought such notable speakers as Mahatma Gandhi's grandson to campus.

"Phyllis said that peace studies relate to a broad range of disciplines," Wolfe said. "I want to see how far I can take that."

Wolfe hopes to integrate peace studies with disciplines as varied as philosophy, poetry, religion, and environmental management. He also would like to connect with community agencies to address such issues as domestic violence.

"Another goal is to act upon the belief that peace has to start with the individual." Wolfe said. "Many conflicts between people are really a projection of inner conflict."

Wolfe plans to continue making the center available to teach classes in contemplative practice and meditation. Two meditation classes are currently taught at the center. He also seeks faculty input on efforts to bring peace studies to local schools.

The center will continue to offer the 18-hour minor established by Zimmerman which includes the core course Introduction to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
Wolfe would like the center to become more involved in supporting the activities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

He also plans special events to increase visibility for the center including forums on religious tolerance, cultural diversity, as well as a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday in October.

Also proposed is a continuation and expansion of the Peace Studies Website which would serve as an information center for peace-related activities both on campus and in Indiana.