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Peace and Conflict Studies Committee

Peace and Conflict Studies Committee

Because it is an interdisciplinary program drawing upon the resources of three academic departments (Biblical and Religious Studies, History, Politics, and International Relations, and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice), the Peace and Conflict Studies Program is administered by a committee under the direct oversight of the Dean of the School of Humanities.

The PACS Committee consists of members from each of the three core departments, one member represents the faculty at large, and because the PACS Program provides advisors for one special interest house on campus, one member of the committee comes from Residence Life. Two students also are members of the Committee! This unique opportunity for students to gain experience in academic administration also allows the PACS Program to hear and respond to the concerns and needs of its students.

The members of the PACS Committee for the 2023-24 Academic Year are:

  • George Pickens
    George Pickens

    George Pickens is the Professor of Theology and Mission at Messiah University and serves as Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program and Chair of the PACS Committee.

  • Eric Seibert
    Eric Seibert

    Eric Seibert is a professor of Old Testament. He serves as the Biblical and Religious Studies Representative to the PACS Committee.

  • Rebecca Firstbrook
    Rebecca Firstbrook

    Rebecca Firstbrook is currently the Residence Director for Hess Hall and Special Interest Houses. She also serves as the representative from Residence Life to the PACS Committee.

  • Sarah Myers
    Sarah Myers

    Sarah Myers is Assistant Professor of History. She serves as the representative for the History Department to the PACS Committee.

  • Jason Renn
    Jason Renn

    Jason Renn is Associate Professor of Politics. He serves the representative of Politics on the PACS committee.

  • Devin Manzullo-Thomas
    Devin Manzullo-Thomas

    Devin Manzullo-Thomas is the Director of the Sider Institute for Anabaptist, Pietist, and Wesleyan Studies and Assistant Professor of American Religious History. He serves as the representative for the PACS senior seminar course on the PACS committee

PACS Committee Student Members

  • Justin Cluck
    Justin Cluck

    My name is Justin Cluck and I am a Junior Peace and Conflict Studies major, with a minor in Human Services. I came to Messiah through a non-traditional route. I have been married for over 11 years to my amazing wife, Cait. Together, we have two daughters: Colbie, age 8, and Charlie, age 4. I served in the United States Army and was deployed to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror. After returning home, I was diagnosed with PTSD and other injuries from the war. I chose the Peace and Conflict major to facilitate my learning and to better understand the struggles that myself and other veterans are currently facing from their time in war zones around the world. I have made it my mission to ensure that veterans understand that they are not alone as they struggle with the physical and mental wounds of combat.

  • Elyse Acosta
    Elyse Acosta

    My name is Elyse Acosta, I am a junior Peace and Conflict Studies major. I love the interdisciplinary nature of the PACS program and its focus on nonviolent conflict resolution.