Center for Conflict Resolution

Abilene Christian University

1541 N. Judge Ely Blvd

ACU Box 27770

Abilene, TX 79699-8070

conflictresolution@acu.edu

Phone: (325) 674-2015

Fax: (325) 674-2427

News Archives 2005 | News Archives 2004 | News Archives 2006

What's Happening at the Center

March 2009: Abilene, Texas
143 PACES
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope , J.D.

My work involves people who are in conflict with other people. And what I do in my work involves creating space that allows those people to get a break from abrasive things that irritate and aggravate them into a painful conflict experience... More>>

March 2009: Abilene, Texas
"BUT THOSE WHO MARRY WILL FACE TROUBLES"
By Assistant Professsor Matthew J. Dodd, Ph.D.

Consider the words in I Corinthians 7 where Paul writes, "But if you marry, you have not sinned... But those who marry will face many troubles in this life..." According to this passage married couples are going to have conflict. Most married couples will testify to this fact, but there's more... More>>

March 2009: Abilene, Texas
BOOK THE DUNCUM CENTER FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING

Businesses and nonprofit organizations from all over Texas have taken advantage of the Duncum Center's facilities by renting various rooms for staff retreats, meetings, trainings, and lunches. The Center's beautiful hardwood floors and elegant Texas-style décor provide for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. More details about renting the Center for your next event... More>>

February 2009: Abilene, Texas
WALKING HUMBLY IN A SPIRIT OF FELLOWSHIP
By Associate Professor Garry P. Bailey, Ph.D.

... In your busy world of living and studying and working, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on where you are in the system. Do you have opportunities to find fellowship with others who seek the goal of peace through justice and mercy. More>>

February 2009: Abilene, Texas
A BUSY MONTH FOR THE DUNCUM CENTER

The Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution was a busy place in January. Faculty, staff and volunteers worked together to host Residency Session, Practical Skills & Theory, Visiting Committee, and a Certification Workshop training. More>>

February 2009: Abilene, Texas
A SERIOUS CONFLICT WITH MY COMPUTER...
By an anonymous (and hilarious) ACU conflict resolution student

I had serious conflict with my computer while trying to write my 3rd assignment for CONR 605. We entered into a series of failed negotiations... More>>

January 2009: Abilene, Texas
FAITH
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

This has been a difficult year in many ways... For whatever reason, I have been fixated on how different things are becoming for us. And, in so doing, I think I've lost the broader view of what life is. More>>

January 2009: Abilene, Texas
GOVENOR APPOINTS ACU STUDENT TO TRINITY RIVER VALLEY AUTHORITY

Amanda Davis, Masters of Education and Conflict Resolution certificate student at Abilene Christian University, was recently appointed by Texas Govenor Rick Perry to the Trinity River Authority (TRA). More>>

January 2009: Abilene, Texas
COPE CONTRIBUTES CHAPTER TO PRINCIPAL'S GUIDE BOOK

Joe L. Cope, Executive Director of ACU's Center for Conflict Resolution, is listed as a contributing author of the recently published Principal's Guide to Managing School Personnel. More>>

January 2009: Abilene, Texas
BAILEY ELECTED TO SERVE PEACE AND CONFLICT DIVISION OF NCA

Garry Bailey, Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution at Abilene Christian University, was elected Secretary of the Peace and Conflict Communication Division of the National Communication Association (NCA). More>>

December 2008: Abilene, Texas
PRE-SEASON
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

The audiobook I was listening to was, frankly, a little creepy. A tale of hidden worlds and creatures with formidable powers. It was not really a book I would normally choose. But the reviews were strong... More>>

December 2008: Abilene, Texas
COPE ELECTED TMTR CO-CONVENER

Joe L. Cope, Executive Director of ACU's Center for Conflict Resolution, was elected co-convener of the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable (TMTR) at the organization's November meeting in Austin, Texas. More>>

November 2008: Abilene, Texas
COPE'S THOUGHTS ON THE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS INSTITUTE

Our announcement in the last newsletter of the launch of a new identity for the training arm of the Center for Conflict Resolution received quite a bit of notice. Reaction to the news has brought a few questions. The following are responses from the Center’s Executive Director, Joe L. Cope. The article also includes a new video explaining the Center's services offered through the Positive Solutions Institute. More>>

November 2008: Abilene, Texas
GRUDGE-MAKING, PREEMPTIVE PEACEMAKING AND REALLY NICE CANADIANS
By Associate Professor Garry P. Bailey, Ph.D

People who characteristically have deep and solid friendships still wrestle with conflict. One type of recurring conflict is the holding of grudges. This is not just a Canadian phenomenon. It's a common way that people mishandle conflict.
More>>

November 2008: Abilene, Texas
ACU'S CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION AWARDED $13,000 GRANT

ACU's Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) recently received a $13,000 Vision Grant from the United Way of Abilene to develop conflict resolution training for educationally and economically disadvantaged adults in the community. More>>

October 2008: Abilene, Texas
SOMETIMES YOU JUST KNOW BETTER
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

You know the feeling, don't you? You find yourself in the middle of a growing debacle - one that could have been easily prevented. And you knew better than to do what you did.
More>>

October 2008: Abilene, Texas
"WHO 'YA GONNA CALL" AN OUTSIDE RESOURCE FOR CHURCHES IN CONFLICT
By Volunteer Mediator Roland Orr

Opportunities exist in an escalating conflict to bring in outside assistance to help resolve the conflict and to provide reconciliation. Unity, peace, and purpose can be restored. Proving training in conflict management can help avoid or minimize the conflict before a crisis develops. Yet, church leaders seem reluctant or strongly opposed to call for "outside" help. Why? More>>

October 2008: Abilene, Texas
CENTER LAUNCHES THE POSITIVE SOLUTION INSTITUTE

The Center for Conflict Resolution is often called upon to provide intervention and training services to business, churches, and nonprofit agencies. To better serve these institutions, the Center is launching the Positive Solutions Institute. More>>

September 2008: Abilene, Texas
SENSITIVITY
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

Life brings experience. Some people get to a level of experience very quickly in life - experiencing poverty, family break-ups, loss of loved ones. The rest of us are introduced to those themes over a longer period of time. Our choice becomes one of sensitivity or insensitivity. I'm beginning to see life as one big intersection... More>>

September 2008: Abilene, Texas
MAKING "CENTERS" OUT OF MONEY CONFLICTS
By Assistant Professor Matthew J. Dodd, Ph.D

It's been said that opposites attract, and the same usually holds true for how couples deal with money. Many times one person is the saver and one is the spender, or one is the "accountant" and one is the free spirit." While this combination creates balance, it also leads to conflict about how to manage money. More>>

September 2008: Abilene, Texas
CENTER'S BELOVED DIANE DUNCUM LEAVES LEGACY OF HELPING OTHERS

Diane (Vannoy) Duncum, a distinguished Abilene Christian University alumnus and devoted supporter of the university, died on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at her home in College Station, Texas at the age of 68. "Diane was a woman of unswerving resolve, " said Joe L. Cope, Executive Director of the ACU Center for Conflict Resolution. More>>

September 2008: Abilene, Texas
FIRST CLASS GRADUATES WITH M.A. IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND RECONCILIATION

On Aug. 8, Downing Bolls, Betsy Freeman, Kelliann Hale, Roy Jones, and Brian Ziemer became the first graduates of Abilene Christian University's Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation program. More>>

August 2008: Abilene, Texas
CAN CONFLICTS EVER BE RESOLVED?
By Associate Professor Garry P. Bailey, Ph.D.

Several years ago, a popular notion surfaced suggesting that conflict was a thing to manage, not resolve. According to this theory, when two people are in conflict, for example, they may agree on a resolution but this idea suggests that there is always more to it. The lingering effects and many prongs of the conflict may make the problem a chronic one to be managed, not resolved. More>>

August 2008: Abilene, Texas
MISPLACED APOLOGY
By Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

“I am sorry for what I’m about to say. I apologize if I seem negative and difficult.”

July 2008: Abilene, Texas
FEEDBACK: THE BEAUTY OF WELCOMING CONVERSATION
by Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

“Hey, I’ve got an idea for you!”

“Have you ever thought about . . . ?”

“I don’t understand why you do this like you do. . .”

Sixty-nine students. Six instructors. Two support staff. Five days. Almost 40 hours. Five hundred bottled waters and sodas. Pop-Tarts and granola bars. Countless Power Point slides. A couple of handfuls of role plays. Videos. Fishbowl mediation. Debriefing sessions. Discussions. Hallway conversations. Lunch table talk. Emails at night.

Oh, and a requested evaluation form at the end. More>>

July 2008: Abilene, Texas
BOOK REVIEW: THE ART OF FORGIVING BY LEWIS B. SMEDES
By Associate Professor Garry P. Bailey, Ph. D.

I would argue that forgiveness is probably the most complex of human experiences. As such, the average person really needs some help understanding what it means and how to make the right choices in responding to conflict situations. Lewis Smedes makes some very good points about what forgiveness is, what it is isn’t, and answers many questions people have about the process. More>>

July 2008: Abilene, Texas
DEPARTMENT OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION HOSTS 2ND RESIDENCY SESSION

After working together in online conflict resolution courses, students, faculty, and staff met face-to-face for the first time at the ACU Department of Conflict Resolution Residency Session. Sixty-nine students from Michigan, Oregon, Singapore, Africa, and many other places, came to Abilene, Texas for the five-day training session.

"The goal of Residency Session is to provide students with the opportunity to practice the skills they've studied in their online courses. We want them to leave residency Session with confidence in their ability to negotiate and mediate effectively in a variety of settings," said Dr. Matthew Dodd, Assistant Professor of the Department of Conflict Resolution. More>>

July 2008: Abilene, Texas
DEPARTMENT OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION HOSTS 2ND RESIDENCY SESSION

The Princeton Review named ACU's M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation one of the Top 5 Most Popular Programs. After introducing many graduate programs last week, Princeton Review tallied the student inquiries for each program to form the Top 5 list.

The Princeton Review noted ACU’s partnership with Apple iTunes and its leadership in using iPod technology as a learning tool for students. In addition to ACU’s M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation program, Baylor University’s M.A. in International Relations, New York University’s M.S. in Global Affairs, Colorado State University’s M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Studies, and Willamette University’s J.D./M.B.A. also made the list. More>>

July 2008: Abilene, Texas
Feedback: The Beauty of Welcoming Conversation
by Executive Director Joe L. Cope, J.D.

June 2008: Abilene, Texas
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LONG AND HALE MINISTER TO WOMEN WORLDWIDE

After earning graduate degrees in conflict resolution at Abilene Christian University, Mariana Long and Kelliann Hale use their conflict resolution skills to minister to women all over the world though Come before Winter. With years of missions experience of their own, Long and Hale have a deep affection for women in ministry and missions.

"At one renewal, a group of women brought major team conflicts with them. At their request, I shared the process of mediation with them.By the end of the week it was obvious that healing had taken place." More>>

June 2008: Abilene, Texas
STUDY SHOWS MEDIATION IS MORE SATISFYING FOR DIVORCING COUPLES THAN LITIGATION

As more divorcing couples use mediation rather than litigation to resolve their divorce issues, the effectiveness of mediation has captured the attention of researchers. Although much qualitative discussion has taken place about the benefits of mediation over litigation for divorcing couples, a quantitative review of divorce mediation and litigation outcome literature has never been performed.

Therefore, to determine the overall efficacy of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process for divorcing couples, the Center's Asst. Director for Program Development Lori Anne Shaw conducts a meta-analysis on this literature. More>>

June 2008: Abilene, Texas
INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS AND STRENTHEN RELATIONSHIPS

The Center provides training to businesses, nonprofits, schools, and churches. Understanding how to prevent and manage conflict makes even the best organizations better by increasing effectiveness and strengthening relationships.
Trainings are adapted to fit the needs of the organization. For more information about the Center's services and training programs, contact us at (325) 674-2015or conflictresolution@acu.edu. More>>

June 2008: Abilene, Texas
NO PLACE...NO TABLE
by Executive Director Joe L. Cope

She stood quietly to the side as others gathered around with their questions or personal stories or parting greetings. As the others left the room and I turned, her eyes clouded and she carefully chose her words. “I understand that I have an obligation to make peace with others. But what if,” she faltered a bit, “the others won’t allow me a place at the table?” More>>

May 2008: Abilene, Texas
CENTER RECEIVES $5,000 FROM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO DEVELOP CURRICULUM

The Center for Conflict Resolution at ACU recently received $5,000 from the Community Foundation of Abilene to assist with the costs of developing conflict resolution curriculum and training materials for economically challenged adults, a population for which conflict resolution training is scarce and sorely needed. More>>

April, 2008: Abilene, Texas
CONFLICT RESOLUITON SKILLS CAN HELP PREVENT VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY

One way to help prevent the increasing incidence of violence in society is through early prevention, such as training in conflict resolution for children and families. That's one fo the messages put forth by Dr. Glen Stassen, author of numberous book on peace and justice, including Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War. "Research results indicate the most violent events are preceded by escalation from verbal conflict through insults, and threats..."More>>

March, 2008: Abilene, Texas
CENTER'S MEDIATOR-IN-RESIDENCE DISCUSSES CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE HEALTHCARE MARKET

Dr. Jerry Strader, Sr., mediator-in- residence at Abilene Christian University’s Center for Conflict Resolution, joined forces with two health law attorneys, John Allen Chalk, Sr. and Jeanne F. Franklin, to present Basics of Mediating Healthcare Conflicts: Helping Health Lawyers Use Mediation Successfully and Comply with Joint Commission Conflict Resolution Requirements. More>>

January, 2008: Abilene, Texas
CENTER MOVES TO NEW DIANE AND JOHN DUNCUM CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The Center for Conflict Resolution is pleased to announce their move to their new facility. The Diane and John Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution is a two-story, 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the art facility personally designed and decorated by John and Diane Duncum of College Station, Texas. More>>

December, 2007: Denton, Texas
MATT DODD, ASST. DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER EARNS PH.D.

More>>

September 21, 2007: Abilene, Texas
INSPIRING REMARKS TO CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKERS FROM ROLAND ORR

Roland Orr, a retired business man, CPA, and graduate of ACU's Certificate in Conflict Resolution program, volunteers for the Center for Conflict Resolution as a mediator and presenter. With a heart for peacemaking, Orr is particularly skilled in church mediation. More>>

September 1, 2007: Abilene, Texas
ACU Welcomes Garry Bailey, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution

ACU's Department of Conflict Resolution welcomes the University's first full-time online faculty member, Dr. Garry Bailey. With a Ph.D from the University of Oklahoma in Organizational and Intercultural Communication, Dr. Bailey brings much expertise to the department. In a recent interview, Dr. Bailey answered questions about his background, teaching philosophy, research interests, and more.

More >>

July 23-27, 2007: Irving, Texas
THE DEPARTMENT OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION HOLDS FIRST SUMMER RESIDENCY SESSION

June 8, 2007: Abilene, Texas
THE CENTER TRAINS ACU ALUMNI AT BEGINNING TEACHER SUMMER INSTITUTE

In June, ACU’s education department held its first Beginning Teacher Summer Institute. Joey Cope, Matt Dodd, and Lori Anne Shaw provided a seven-hour conflict resolution training to the returning ACU alumni educators attending the Institute.

Specifically, the training forcused on equipping the teachers to successfully deal with conflict with parents, students, fellow teachers, and adminstrators.

April 28, 2007: Houston, Texas
THE CENTER PRESENTS AT ELDERLINK IN HOUSTON

Joey Cope, Jerry Strader, and Roland Orr traveled to the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston to speak with Charles Siburt at ElderLink. Orr, a retired CPA and current elder at Highland Church of Christ, serves as a mediator for the Center.

As a ministry of ACU, the mission of ElderLink is to equip, encourage and link those who lead and serve as elders in Churches of Christ.

May 15-16, 2007: San Antonio, Texas
STRADER AND COPE MEET WITH LEADERS AT FORT SAM HOUSTON

Jerry Strader and Joey Cope traveled to Fort Sam Houston for education and information-sharing sessions with the post’s leaders. Stader and Cope are shown here with Major General Russell Czerw, Commander of the post's Army Medical Department Center and School.

As the army's largest medical training and educational facility, the Army Medical Department Center and School trains more than 25,000 students attending 170 officer, NCO and enlisted courses in 14 medical specialties as well as maintains several academic affiliations for bachelor and masters degree programs with the following major universities: Baylor University, University of Texas Health Science Centers at Houston and San Antonio, and University of Nebraska. More >>

May 1, 2007: Online
GROUNDBREAKING FEATURED IN CRE NEWSLETTER

The "Counselor," the newsletter published by The Counselors of Real Estate, recently published a news item about the groundbreaking of the Diane and John Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution. John Duncum is a long-time member of the CRE and is active in bringing dispute resolution techniques to members of that organization. More >>

April 9 - 14, 2007: Abilene, Texas
CENTER TRAINS DYESS AIR FORCE BASE PERSONNEL IN MEDIATION

The Center conducted a 40-hour Basic Mediation Training Workshop for Dyess Air Force Base personnel. All participating Dyess personnel earned their certificate in basic mediation as the training met the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable (TMTR) standards. The training was funded by Dyess' Military Equal Oppurtunity (MEO) office in an effort to create a pool of qualified mediators on base. More >>

March 26, 2007: Online
CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE / CONFLICT IN SCHOOLS CLASSES BEGIN

These courses will be taught online and simultaneously during the second half of the Spring 2007 semester. While these courses are not identical, they are sister courses in the sense that they cover similar concepts dealing with learning organizations and organizational systems.

CONR 610 - Conflict in the Workplace - Each learner will demonstrate a beginning comprehension of conflict management in the workplace through insights into the leadership practices of a learning organization. Students will be able to identify and work with organizational systems as they relate to workplace interactions. As in every course in our program, learners will be provided with additional insights into the applicability and importance of the teachings of Jesus Christ in relation to these concepts.

CONR 615 - Conflict in Schools - The learning outcome for this course is for the learners to demonstrate a beginning comprehension of how to manage conflict in educational environments through the leadership practices of a learning organization.Students will be able to identify and work with organizational systems as they relate to educational environments. As in every course in our program, learners will be provided with additional insights into the applicability and importance of the teachings of Jesus Christ in relation to these concepts.

February 17, 2007: Abilene, Texas
CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION GROUNDBREAKING

The Diane and John Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution began today at the groundbreaking ceremonies. To be located on the corner of Judge Ely Blvd. and E. N. 16th Street in Abilene, Texas, the new building will be a 7000-sqaure feet state-of-the-art facility to promote peacemaking on the ACU campus, in the Abilene community, and throughout the world. A large classroom and 4 mediation rooms will help students and professionals carry out the ministry of peace. The Center will house the faculty and staff of the Department of Conflict Resolution, who work with the ACU Worldwide program to deliver online classes for the new online Masters degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconcilation.

Click on the link below to view a brief video from the Groundbreaking and share in our excitement.

CCR Groundbreaking Video

January 22, 2007: Online
MEDIATION CLASS BEGINS

Mediation: Principles and Practice (CONR 604) is a graduate-level course focusing on the art and science of facilitating conversations and negotiations between parties in conflict. Designed for individuals in leadership roles in a wide variety of organizational and personal environments, as well as individuals seeking professional work in conflict resolution, the course presents opportunities for personal assessment and development of party and group facilitation, problem-solving skills, and approaches for conflict management through the role of mediator.

January 1, 2007: Abilene, Texas
NEW ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Lori Anne Shaw accepted the position as Assistant Director of Program Development at the Center for Conflict Resolution.

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Center for Conflict Resolution

Abilene Christian University

February 17, 2007: Abilene, TexasCENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION GROUNDBREAKING

February 17, 2007: Abilene, Texas
CENTER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION GROUNDBREAKING