Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

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In October 2003, USD received from the estate of Joan B. Kroc one of the largest gifts ever given for the study of peace: a $50 million endowment to establish the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and provide continuing support to the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice.

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies will advance peace and justice through the development and dissemination of interdisciplinary scholarship and state of the art practice to serve the region, the nation and the world-wide human community. Funds from the Kroc endowment will allow the school to attract the finest international scholars, practitioners and students to conduct the work of peacemaking.

Father William (Bill)  Headley, Counselor  to the President of  Catholic Relief Services, will become the founding dean of the  University of San  Diego, Joan B. Kroc  School of Peace  Studies as of August 1, 2007. Since 2000, Father Headley has held leadership positions at Catholic Relief Services (CRS).  In his capacity as Counselor to the President, he helps to oversee CRS’ relief, development, and justice and peace programs, and participates in critical decision-making activities to establish the strategic directions of the 5,000 person agency.

Internationally recognized as a respected peace builder, practitioner and educator, Headley attended the prominent Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) at George Mason University.  While an associate professor of Sociology and in the Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, he established a graduate program in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies.  He has led important interdisciplinary collaborations with leaders from around the globe. 

Before determining the school’s particular area of focus, Headley plans to solicit feedback from members of the university, San Diego and global communities.  “I need to hear more about the dreams and expectations of the USD community. And, I need to let the rich environment of San Diego speak of its needs for peace. In all, it should be an exciting venture.”

For information about Peace Studies Programs, click here.

For further information, please contact PeaceStudies@sandiego.edu