HISTORY

The Peace and Conflict Studies Consortium is a revival of an organization known as the Oregon Peace Studies Consortium (OPSC), which was founded in 1988. The primary objective of OPSC was to bring together educational institutions of Oregon interested in peace and conflict studies. The first OPSC meeting was held at Oregon State University, where William Boyer presented a paper titled “Education for the 20^th Century.” This began OPSC’s mission to remain at the forefront of the development of peace and conflict studies. One of OPSC’s many successful endeavors resulted in the development of the Conflict Resolution Master’s Program at Portland State University.

OPSC remained active in the field of peace and conflict studies until 1996 when the unexpected death of director, Jack Yost, resulted in the dissolution of OPSC’s activities. The organization remained dormant until 2005.

Recognizing the importance of peace and conflict studies Dr. Robert Gould and Aimee Clott collaborated in the revival of OPSC, changing the organization’s name to encompass educational institutions outside the state of Oregon. PCSC has focused and will continue to focus on the development of peace and conflict curricula. PCSC will remain at the forefront of peace and conflict studies through curriculum development, faculty support, research assistance, and resource development working towards the promotion of a culture of peace.