2021 Events

October 21, 2021 - The Path to Peace & Social Justice

Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, Ball State’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, spoke on “The Path to Peace and Social Justice” as it relates to her personal history, philosophy, and professional expertise. The talk will built on the theme of the “2021 Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Conference: Building a Beloved Community”

Dr. Rivera-Mills has held the position of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Ball State since July 2018. She is a first-generation college student passionate about creating connections between the university and the wider community. Dr. Rivera-Mills has extensive administrative experience, and a background in Spanish, linguistics, and romance languages. You can learn more about the provost here.

September 9, 2021 - Afghanistan: Status and Future

On September 9, 2021, the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies hosted a panel discussion exploring issues related to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. You can view a recording of the event here.

Overview: Panelists will discuss Afghanistan’s history, the United States’ involvement, and the current crisis impacting Afghanis, and active and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces. Recommendations about actions you can take in response to this crisis also will be highlighted.

Featuring:

Bibi Bahrami

Founder & President, AWAKEN (Afghan Women’s & Kids’ Education & Necessities)

Advisory Board, BSU Center for Peace & Conflict Studies

Qais Faqiri

Former Fulbright Scholar

Recent escapee from Afghanistan

Kenneth Holland, Ph.D.

Professor & Dean (Academics, Research & International Affairs), Jindal Global Law School-India

Former President, American University of Afghanistan

Former Director, BSU Center for International Development

Dan Ridenour

Muncie, Indiana - Mayor

Army Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Jason VanKleeck

Two tours in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq

Highly decorated in multiple combat operations

Moderated by:

Lawrence H. Gerstein, Ph.D.

Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies

BSU George & Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Psychology-Counseling

Past Events

In previous years, the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies has hosted a number of events that align with our mission of nonviolence, the prevention of conflict, and peacebuilding strategies. 

• Brown Bag Event Series and Discussion Series featuring speakers from various fields. 
• Sponsored a 2013 cross-country race for peace in Kenya called the MUKESCO Peace Run.
• Participated as a team in the 2010 Pedal for Peace event where individuals rode bicycles to raise funds for the promotion of peace in Central Asia.
• Offered meditation programs.
• Co-sponsored the annual Festival of Faiths in Indianapolis (2017), the Midwest’s largest one-day celebration of religious diversity and vitality.