About Us

The Center for Conflict Management is a self-sustaining unit housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences under the Department of Political Science and International Affairs. The Center is committed to helping individuals, communities, corporations, and government agencies build positive responses to conflict. The Center provides customized training, facilitation, mediation, and systems analysis and design services. <Read More>

History

The Center was founded in 1996 as the Office of Conflict Management (OCM). OCM housed the faculty, staff, and student ombuds and provided presentations on conflict management for the campus community. By 1998, OCM activites had expanced to include skill-training and it adopted the name, Center for Conflict Management, to reflect its increased emphasis on education and training. Since then over 3,200 people both on and off campus have participated in the Center's conflict management initiatives. <Read More>

 

Staff

Linda M. Johnston, Director
ljohnst9@kennesaw.edu
Dr. Johnston is Director of the Center and the Master of Science in Conflict Management. She holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, a Master's in Institutional Administration with a minor in Adult and Continuing Education, and a Bachelor's in Dietetics. Her recent work includes developing dialogues between Egyptians and Americans, developing a Peace Institute at Tavrichesky National University in Ukraine, and conducting workshops in the Republic of Georgia. Dr. Johnston currently teaches several courses in conflict management, including Conflict Theory and Health and Conflict for Nurses. Dr. Johnston has 30 years of experience working in public health and administration.

Shauna Carmichael, Program Manager
scarmic1@kennesaw.edu
Ms. Carmichael holds an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a BA in International Studies from Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Ms. Carmichael is a professional mediator, facilitator, and consultant registered in the state of Georgia. She has developed and conducted conflict resolution trainings for a variety of organizations, such as Fairfax County Public Schools, Corcoran College of Art and Design, and AID Atlanta. Ms. Carmichael also has experience in program administration and development, community outreach, and research.

Kristen Laquidara, Administrative Specialist
klaquida@kennesaw.edu
Ms. Laquidara holds a Bachelors of Science in Management from Georgia Tech, as well as certificates in Marketing and in Technology and Operations Management. She has a year of experience as a substitute teacher in the public school system.

 

Advisory Board

The Center's Advisory Board was first established in 1996. Kennesaw State University has grown exponentially since then, as has the Center. In recent years, the Center has become increasingly active in the local community, and in 2007 it became apparent that it was time to establish more formal ties with leading community members. The Center for Conflict Management Advisory Board was re-initiated in January 2008. <Read More>