Edward Luck Named Dean of The University of San Diego School of Peace Studies

(August 7, 2012) – Following an extensive international search, Edward C. Luck, PhD, has been named Dean of the University of San Diego (USD) Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. Luck assumed his duties on August 1, 2012.

A highly regarded United Nations official since 2008, Dr. Luck served as the Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In this role, he has been responsible for the conceptual, political and institutional/operational development of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, a plan to galvazine national and international action to prevent atrocity crimes and their incitement. From 2007 to 2011, Luck was at the International Peace Institute, an independent policy research institute, where he began as a Visiting Senior Fellow and left as the Senior Vice President, Research and Programs.

"Throughout his distinctive career, Dr. Edward Luck has demonstrated a commitment to both the practice and education of peace and justice. I am extremely confident that he is well poised to lead the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies’ (KSPS) talented faculty, staff and students as it builds upon its strong foundation and expands opportunities as it continues to grow," stated Executive Vice President and Provost Julie Sullivan. "Dr. Luck has attained distinction in many related areas and will provide the leadership needed to increase KSPS’s distinction and visibility."

Dr. Luck’s academic experience includes appointments at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University from 2001 to 2010 as Professor of Practice, Director of the Center on International Organization, and Director of the UN Studies Program. A prolific and visible scholar, Dr. Luck has written numerous books, chapters, and articles, as well as provided frequent media commentary and Congressional testimony on Responsibility to Protect, peacekeeping, United Nations reform, and other foreign policy issues.

Dr. Luck holds a BA from Dartmouth College and a series of graduate degrees from Columbia University, including a Master of International Affairs and Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in political science.

Luck succeeds inaugural Dean Bill Headley, who launched the school in 2007. Headley will be on sabbatical during fall 2012 and will resume as faculty in spring 2013. During his five years as dean, KSPS worked for sustainable peace and justice through innovative education, interdisciplinary scholarship, advanced practice and policy enagement. The school’s interdisciplinary master’s program in Peace and Justice Studies core curriculum includes conflict analysis and resolution, human rights, and development.