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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.

  • 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

  • Anna Bolembach
    Anna Bolembach

    Anna Bolembach is a senior Peace and Conflict Studies major, with a Criminal Justice minor. Anna came to Messiah interested in learning how to address the root causes of injustice and empower people transitioning out of traumatic experiences. These interests brought her to the major, and her ongoing learning of peace is what keeps her passionate! Through a variety of courses and professors, Anna has come to understand that positive peace-- peace that addresses oppression and works to create equity and harmony-- is essential to her faith and to the well-being of communities around the world. She hopes to continue pursuing the formation of this shalom throughout her career.

  • Natasha Mazivila
    Natasha Mazivila

    Natasha is a sophomore, double major in Politics and International Relations and Peace and Conflict studies. Natasha came to Messiah to pursue God, and to learn under a Christian instituition. Natasha loves learning, she is an advocate of justice and truth, which has shaped her global perspective in life. Her hope is to learn more about peace and what it looks like in the PACS major here at Messiah.