Ball State University has been named a member of the inaugural Partners in Peace cohort, an initiative established by the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center. This program honors institutions for developing honors-level academic and extracurricular projects that spotlight the legacy of Alfred Nobel and the achievements of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
The Partners in Peace initiative, created by NCHC’s International Education Committee, recognizes Ball State for its commitment to advancing the study of peace. During the 59th Annual NCHC Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 1, Dr. Robin Blom, a professor in Ball State’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, formally accepted this recognition on behalf of the University. The ceremony featured Jørgen Frydnes, chair and youngest member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
“This recognition represents something more than the Honors College’s relationship with the Nobel Peace Center,” said Dr. James Buss, dean of Ball State’s Honors College. “As a Partner in Peace, all students and faculty at Ball State will benefit from opportunities to engage with our international partners and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. Dr. Robin Blom has been instrumental in developing coursework and programming to advance the study of global peace in the Honors College, but we hope that this new designation for Ball State encourages more faculty, staff, and students to explore the study of peace in the 21st century.”
Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has honored individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing peace by fostering cooperation among nations, reducing military forces, and promoting peacebuilding efforts. Through Partners in Peace, college students explore the lives and contributions of laureates, gaining valuable insights into leadership and strategies for building peaceful communities. The program also encourages students to "think globally, act locally" by applying lessons learned to create positive change on their campuses and in their communities.
“NCHC is deeply honored to collaborate with the Nobel Peace Center and these institutions,” said Dr. Eddie Weller, president of the NCHC. “This monumental program enables colleges and universities to offer transformative courses and activities that impact not only student lives but also their surrounding communities. By drawing inspiration from Nobel Peace Prize laureates, these projects encourage our students to embrace peace and act as change-makers for their generation.
“Can there be a higher calling than peace? I think not.”
For more information about the Partners in Peace program, visit the National Collegiate Honors Council website or contact Dr. Kevin W. Dean, coordinator of Partners in Peace, at kdean@nchchonors.org.