Darren Kew Named New Dean of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies

The University of San Diego is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Kew, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Kew holds a Ph.D. from Tufts University and brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international relations. He is a professor and former Chair of the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance, and Executive Director of the Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Additionally, Dr. Kew has advised democracy and peace initiatives to the United Nations, USAID, US State Department, and several NGOs, including the Carter Center and the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria.

An author and researcher, Dr. Kew's work focuses on the relationship between conflict resolution methods and democratic development in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. His research interests encompass a wide range of topics including civil society, international security, culture, religion, and nation-building. He also recently spent several months doing comparative research in Northern Ireland on a Fulbright award at Queens University, Belfast.

"I am confident that Dr. Kew will be a visible leader on campus and in the community, modeling the Kroc School’s core values of academic excellence, compassion, curiosity, diversity, empathy, global awareness, innovation and practical experience,” said Gail F. Baker, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost of the University of San Diego in an announcement to the USD community. "Dr. Kew has the skills, background, passion, and alignment with our mission that will move the Kroc School of Peace Studies forward,” Dr. Baker added.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Kroc School of Peace Studies team, and deeply honored to serve as its Dean. I look forward to working closely with the talented faculty, dedicated staff, and passionate students, who together are what makes this school such a force for positive change" shared Dr. Kew. “The world is facing unprecedented threats to peace and justice, but through the transformational learning, initiatives, and research offered at the Kroc School and at USD overall, we can play a key role in helping changemakers worldwide overcome the challenges of our times with creativity and vision.”

— USD News Center