Peace and Conflict Studies

West Chester University

Dr. Joan Woolfrey, Coordinator
610-436-2841
Anderson Hall Room 108C
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383


Lily Kotansky

“For someone never completely comfortable with facing conflict, I surprised myself by diving headfirst into the Peace and Conflict Studies minor. Its interdisciplinary, praxis-based nature truly speaks to its real world functionality outside classroom walls. P&C studies reframed how I view and handle conflict. I ended my minor experience through organizing and facilitating the American Friends Service Committee’s Help Increase the Peace Program (HIP) on campus. HIP was a true culmination of lessons and skills learned (Active listening, negotiating, dialogue, social injustice…the list goes on!). Looking back, I believe P&C is the quintessential universal minor, for we all need to sit comfortably with and nonviolently approach conflict. I emerge from my studies empowered and confident in peaceful change in the world. Thank you to all the lovely faculty, staff and peers who helped me along the way!”