Get Involved: Explore groups on and off campus working to build peace.
Peacemaking Directory
Peacemaking on BYU Campus
Peacemaking Beyond BYU
Liz Bailey
Associate Professor of Biology
I conduct discipline-based education research focusing on inclusive STEM education. Some of my research and teaching focuses on culturally competent science communication about socially controversial issues such as climate change and vaccines.
I conduct discipline-based education research focusing on inclusive STEM education. Some of my research and teaching focuses on culturally competent science communication about socially controversial issues such as climate change and vaccines.
Ed Carter
Professor of Communications
I am a former full-time journalist and lawyer. I have taught journalism classes and media law at BYU since 2004. My academic research focuses on international human rights law and journalism. I am starting a research agenda in an emerging field called "peace journalism."
I am a former full-time journalist and lawyer. I have taught journalism classes and media law at BYU since 2004. My academic research focuses on international human rights law and journalism. I am starting a research agenda in an emerging field called "peace journalism."
Marlene Esplin
Latin American Studies Coordinator, Professor
I research 20th- and 21st-cent. US and Latin American literatures and problems of translation and migration. I'm also in the process of organizing a recurring study abroad program for Latin American Studies on "Peacemaking, Public Memory, and Cultural Heritage in Latin America" that will first run in Spring 2027. My co-instructor Jane López and I are thinking on how to meaningful incorporate the theme of peacemaking into our first go at this program--and want to get ideas about readings and conversations and activities that could help us frame our program classes and activities.
I research 20th- and 21st-cent. US and Latin American literatures and problems of translation and migration. I'm also in the process of organizing a recurring study abroad program for Latin American Studies on "Peacemaking, Public Memory, and Cultural Heritage in Latin America" that will first run in Spring 2027. My co-instructor Jane López and I are thinking on how to meaningful incorporate the theme of peacemaking into our first go at this program--and want to get ideas about readings and conversations and activities that could help us frame our program classes and activities.
Daniel Frost
Director of SFL Public Scholarship
I teach classes on Civil Discourse for undergraduate and graduate students; I occasionally write on peacemaking and conflict; I'm a part of the Department of Education Civil Discourse grant.
I teach classes on Civil Discourse for undergraduate and graduate students; I occasionally write on peacemaking and conflict; I'm a part of the Department of Education Civil Discourse grant.
Jeff Glenn
Associate Professor, Public Health
I started the BYU Campus Conversations Project in 2022 to provide opportunities for students to engage in productive dialogue on divisive issues.
I started the BYU Campus Conversations Project in 2022 to provide opportunities for students to engage in productive dialogue on divisive issues.
Leslie Hadfield
Professor & History Department Associate Chair
My research has focused on South African liberation movements. I have also taught a class on this subject many times. This includes questions of the best way to achieve a free and peaceful society as well as the process of reconciliation. I have now shifted this course to examining the role that history plays in reconciliation. I have also been involved in the FHSS Civil Rights seminar and the History of development which seeks to establish peace and justice. See my Hickman lecture given on Diversity and Belonging as well, which uses gospel principles to give ideas about how to address racism.
My research has focused on South African liberation movements. I have also taught a class on this subject many times. This includes questions of the best way to achieve a free and peaceful society as well as the process of reconciliation. I have now shifted this course to examining the role that history plays in reconciliation. I have also been involved in the FHSS Civil Rights seminar and the History of development which seeks to establish peace and justice. See my Hickman lecture given on Diversity and Belonging as well, which uses gospel principles to give ideas about how to address racism.
George Handley
Coordinator, Global Environmental Studies, Professor of Comparative Literature
I write and teach on the topics of religion, literature and the environment and civic engagement. I have served two terms on the Provo City Council and I currently run a nonprofit called Engage: A Forum for Civic Renewal.
I write and teach on the topics of religion, literature and the environment and civic engagement. I have served two terms on the Provo City Council and I currently run a nonprofit called Engage: A Forum for Civic Renewal.
Eliza Hawkins
Adjunct faculty, BYU Online
Eliza is the evaluation team leader for the national civic organization Braver Angels. As such, she maintains their pre and post event survey instruments and conducts (or supervises) data analysis on the feedback received. The feedback is used to evaluated the effectiveness of the depolarization and citizen engagement programs.
Eliza is the evaluation team leader for the national civic organization Braver Angels. As such, she maintains their pre and post event survey instruments and conducts (or supervises) data analysis on the feedback received. The feedback is used to evaluated the effectiveness of the depolarization and citizen engagement programs.
Kirk Hawkins
Director, Initiative for Peacemaking
Kirk A. Hawkins is the Director of the Initiative for Peacemaking in the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Political Science. He teaches Latin American politics and studies populism and other polarizing rhetorics around the globe.
Kirk A. Hawkins is the Director of the Initiative for Peacemaking in the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Political Science. He teaches Latin American politics and studies populism and other polarizing rhetorics around the globe.
Erin Holmes
Professor, Director of School of Family Life
I study parenthood and the work-family interface. I began exploring peacemaking with students on study abroad programs through Global Women's Studies and continue to be interested in this global work.
I study parenthood and the work-family interface. I began exploring peacemaking with students on study abroad programs through Global Women's Studies and continue to be interested in this global work.
Jamie Jensen
Professor, Department of Biology, Department of Preparatory Learning, BYU School of Medicine
I am a discipline-based education research with a focus on the reconciliation of science and worldview emphasizing effective science communication. Much of my work has focused on reconciling evolutionary science with religious faith in a variety of faith traditions. I also study ways to teach vaccines and climate change to politically diverse audiences. I have recently taken a position at the new BYU School of Medicine where I will continue my research on science communication in a health-related context.
I am a discipline-based education research with a focus on the reconciliation of science and worldview emphasizing effective science communication. Much of my work has focused on reconciling evolutionary science with religious faith in a variety of faith traditions. I also study ways to teach vaccines and climate change to politically diverse audiences. I have recently taken a position at the new BYU School of Medicine where I will continue my research on science communication in a health-related context.
Paul Lambert
Religion & Human Flourishing Director, Wheatley Institute
Dr. Paul Lambert is the Religion & Human Flourishing Initiative Director at Wheatley Institute. He is an expert on religious pluralism in society. In that capacity, he works with many organizations, such as Interfaith America, the One America Movement, Disagree Better, and others focused on bridging divides and peacemaking. He also leaders courses and workshops on peacemaking and religious pluralism.
Dr. Paul Lambert is the Religion & Human Flourishing Initiative Director at Wheatley Institute. He is an expert on religious pluralism in society. In that capacity, he works with many organizations, such as Interfaith America, the One America Movement, Disagree Better, and others focused on bridging divides and peacemaking. He also leaders courses and workshops on peacemaking and religious pluralism.
David Matkin
Director, Romney Institute of Public Service & Ethics
David S.T. Matkin is a professor and director of the George W. Romney Institute of Public Service & Ethics at BYU's Marriott School of Business, where he also holds the Stewart L. Grow Distinguished Fellowship. His research focuses on public financial management and public-sector accountability. The Romney Institute develops public managers, nonprofit executives, and business professionals to transform the world through Christlike leadership.
David S.T. Matkin is a professor and director of the George W. Romney Institute of Public Service & Ethics at BYU's Marriott School of Business, where he also holds the Stewart L. Grow Distinguished Fellowship. His research focuses on public financial management and public-sector accountability. The Romney Institute develops public managers, nonprofit executives, and business professionals to transform the world through Christlike leadership.
Jane Mitchell
Associate Professor, BYU Law School
I am leading a "Dignified Dialogue" initiative for first-year law students that draws on President Nelson's Peacemaker talk combined with Notre Dame's Institute for Peace Studies "dialogue" framework. I am also involved in a Peacemaker Project (led by law student Thurman Lincoln) at the Utah State Prison where we bring in stereotypically adverse parties (prosecutors, police, judges, legislators) and facilitate conversations between them and small groups of prisoners.
I am leading a "Dignified Dialogue" initiative for first-year law students that draws on President Nelson's Peacemaker talk combined with Notre Dame's Institute for Peace Studies "dialogue" framework. I am also involved in a Peacemaker Project (led by law student Thurman Lincoln) at the Utah State Prison where we bring in stereotypically adverse parties (prosecutors, police, judges, legislators) and facilitate conversations between them and small groups of prisoners.
Collin Powell
Ballard Center UN SDG Consultant
I organize projects and initiatives at the Ballard Center for Social Impact that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts have spanned a broad range of global priorities, from eradicating hunger and reducing inequalities to promoting quality education, climate action, peace, justice, and building strong, accountable institutions.
I organize projects and initiatives at the Ballard Center for Social Impact that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts have spanned a broad range of global priorities, from eradicating hunger and reducing inequalities to promoting quality education, climate action, peace, justice, and building strong, accountable institutions.
Julie Rose
BYUradio Podcast Executive Producer & Host
Julie Rose has been a radio journalist for more than 20 years, reporting for NPR local stations and network shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She is the host and executive producer of the BYUradio podcasts “Top of Mind” and “Uncomfy.” Both shows aim to help people become better citizens, kinder neighbors and more effective advocates. She was the executive producer of Conflict Coach with Dr. Emily Taylor on BYUradio and is currently developing new podcasts for the network related to peacemaking and bridge-building.
Julie Rose has been a radio journalist for more than 20 years, reporting for NPR local stations and network shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She is the host and executive producer of the BYUradio podcasts “Top of Mind” and “Uncomfy.” Both shows aim to help people become better citizens, kinder neighbors and more effective advocates. She was the executive producer of Conflict Coach with Dr. Emily Taylor on BYUradio and is currently developing new podcasts for the network related to peacemaking and bridge-building.
Emily Taylor
Adjunct Professor in Psychology and Religion, BYU Radio Podcast Host, Postdoctoral Researcher, FSY Conflict Resolution trainer
Emily de Schweinitz Taylor, Ph.D., is a certified mediator and developmental psychologist focused on helping individuals and communities navigate conflict constructively. A former university ombuds and conflict resolution leader, she has taught mediation at Brigham Young University and conducts research at the intersection of psychology, health, and conflict. Emily serves on the Utah Council on Conflict Resolution board and volunteers as a civic dialogue moderator with Braver Angels. She is the host of Conflict Coach on BYU Radio and the author of Conflict Fluent and Raising Mediators.
Emily de Schweinitz Taylor, Ph.D., is a certified mediator and developmental psychologist focused on helping individuals and communities navigate conflict constructively. A former university ombuds and conflict resolution leader, she has taught mediation at Brigham Young University and conducts research at the intersection of psychology, health, and conflict. Emily serves on the Utah Council on Conflict Resolution board and volunteers as a civic dialogue moderator with Braver Angels. She is the host of Conflict Coach on BYU Radio and the author of Conflict Fluent and Raising Mediators.
Greg Thompson
Associate Professor in Anthropology
I am interested in studying the causes and contexts of political polarization, particularly in the United States today. I am also interested in global peace initiatives.
I am interested in studying the causes and contexts of political polarization, particularly in the United States today. I am also interested in global peace initiatives.
Eva Witesman
Director, Ballard Center for Social Impact
Professor, Romney Institute of Public Service & Ethics
Eva Witesman is a scholar, teacher, and public voice for peacemaking ane peacebuilding whose work bridges faith, civic life, and social impact. At BYU, she has created spaces for civil discourse by facilitating Bipartisan Peace Talks and Nights of Civil Discourse. She has written essays and spoken publicly on podcasts and in other forums on peacemaking and peace building. She has done award-winning work in the religious pluralism space and publishes academic work on civic engagement and related topics.
Professor, Romney Institute of Public Service & Ethics
Eva Witesman is a scholar, teacher, and public voice for peacemaking ane peacebuilding whose work bridges faith, civic life, and social impact. At BYU, she has created spaces for civil discourse by facilitating Bipartisan Peace Talks and Nights of Civil Discourse. She has written essays and spoken publicly on podcasts and in other forums on peacemaking and peace building. She has done award-winning work in the religious pluralism space and publishes academic work on civic engagement and related topics.
Greg Wurm
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology
I study the types of people and organizations working towards political depolarization in the contemporary U.S. and look specifically at what factors might explain why right-leaning people are less represented in this space. I also study the influence of political polarization dating and am developing an app that uses AI to mediate difficult conversations.
Department of Sociology
I study the types of people and organizations working towards political depolarization in the contemporary U.S. and look specifically at what factors might explain why right-leaning people are less represented in this space. I also study the influence of political polarization dating and am developing an app that uses AI to mediate difficult conversations.
The Peacemaker Project
We envision a future in which the vast majority of students at BYU are eager to engage in productive disagreement based on mutual respect and dignified dialogue
BYU Campus Conversations
The BYU Campus Conversations Project provides opportunities to talk about divisive issues in a structured way, allowing individuals to hear diverse experiences and perspectives. Rather than debating or trying to convince others, participants take turns sharing and listening to build mutual understanding and connection.
Students for Understanding
Each week join BYU students as they develop empathy and understanding for diverse viewpoints through meaningful conversations.
BYU International Development Minor
We focus on peacemaking by teaching students how to work across cultures with respect and understanding. Through coursework, internships, and our student club we encourage humility, compassion, and care for others as guiding values in building peace.
Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership
Our vision at the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership is to inspire and equip individuals to lead people as Jesus Christ does, and we do so by developing leaders with character and capability who edify families, congregations, communities, organizations, and society through events, workshops, coaching, and clubs.
BYU College Republicans
We showcase the key goals of College Republicans, which include striving to create opportunities for students to connect with government through the Republican Party.
Students for International Development
The Students for International Development club seeks to connect students with with the field of international development through club activities. By understanding the various fields in international development, students understand there are many ways to build up communities in a peaceful way.
English Department/University Writing
The mission of University Writing is to help students become Christlike communicators who contribute to flourishing families, organizations, and communities.
Political Affairs Society
PAS aims to connect students with a variety of political opportunities.
Ballard Center for Social Impact
We develop the faith and skills to increase human flourishing and decrease human suffering. We will be focusing on how here at BYU we can do good. Better. Together.
BYU College Democrats
To further political discourse on campus by providing an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together, discuss, and promote the policy positions of the Democratic Party, in so much as they fulfill the enduring principles of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
BYU Law Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution
The CPCR is a mediation clinic for BYU Students and members of the larger community. We seek to help individuals and groups reach amicable conclusions to conflicts and improve their communication skills. Our services are free of charge and available to all!
Global Environmental Studies
A minor that strengthens a student's environmental expertise in an interdisciplinary framework. It is a bridge between environmental sciences and the humanities and social sciences.
BYU Office of Civic Engagement
Our office's mission is to help students be civically engaged now and in their future.
Marriott Inclusion and Belonging Society
The Marriott Inclusion and Belonging Society is focused on building a community of belonging within the Marriott School of Business and supporting BYU Marriott's core values: faith in Christ, integrity in action, respect for all, and excellence. We host regular events, activities, and initiatives that highlight individual differences while celebrating our shared identity as children of God.
Wheatley Institute
Strengthening society through research-supported work that fortifies the core institutions of family, religion, and constitutional government.
European Studies
Our mission with the European Studies internship program is to connect students with opportunities to collaborate with international organizations that focus on International collaboration and peacemaking as a top priority. Internships are located at the UN, NATO, IAEA, EU, and a variety of NGOs in the region.
Global Women's Studies
GWS focuses on helping students (of all genders) recognize their value and potential, encouraging leadership, critical thinking, creativity, personal development, cultural awareness, compassion, and desire to create a better world for all people.
Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy
CSED is a BYU Political Science Department research lab that focuses on research pertaining to American politics. We work together as students and faculty to research things like polarization, political behavior, and more. We are interested in creating knowledge that can help achieve peacemaking in American politics.
Students for Health Humanities
Students for Health Humanities raises awareness of health humanities as an emerging field, explores the embodied human experience of health and illness, offers pre-health students an outlet to explore interest in the humanities, and offers humanities students an opportunity to focus on health, healing, and illness.
Maxwell Institute
As a part of BYU, the Maxwell Institute builds bridges to other cultures and peoples by contributing to scholarship in many disciplines and establishing contacts with scholars at universities and centers of learning worldwide.
McKay School Belonging Leadership Team
The McKay Belonging Leadership Team strives to cultivate a supportive community for all McKay students by promoting Christlike leadership, organizing meaningful gatherings, and providing service opportunities. We will highlight how these opportunities create belonging and help promote peace, and also how leaders can be peacemakers and in so doing, increase the sense of belonging and unity within our community.
Office of Belonging
Our mission is to bring about a Zion like community of covenant belonging at BYU. We will be highlighting our Discrimination and Reconciliation process, and our gospel centered approach to conflict resolution.
Kennedy Center for International Studies
By supporting and implementing interdisciplinary international experiences on campus and abroad, the Kennedy Center raises global awareness and competency, and equips the community with international perspectives and tools to promote intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being throughout the world.
BYU International Study Programs
Brigham Young University's Office of International Study Programs serves students by developing and implementing high-impact international academic experiences.
HxA Campus Community at Brigham Young University
The HxA Campus Community Network is made up of 82 Campus Communities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Campus Communities give HxA members opportunities to work directly on their campuses with peers and supporters to foster positive culture change by promoting the values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. The HxA Campus Community at Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to exemplify pluralistic peacemaking and unity through living the teachings of Jesus Christ; further, we intend to nourish a campus community of believing scholars, where faculty, staff, and students join together to prioritize the charitable practice of truth-seeking in an increasingly polarized world.
KROC Institute
The University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs, is one of the world's leading centers for the study of the causes of violent conflict and strategies for sustainable peace. Kroc Institute faculty and fellows conduct interdisciplinary research on a wide range of topics.
Braver Angels
Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide for the good of our democratic republic. Coming out of the election, we’re bringing together “We the People” to find a hopeful alternative to toxic politics. The American Hope campaign is equipping Americans across the political spectrum to work together and demand the same of politicians from both parties.