About the Bosserman Center
Mission
The Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution (BCCR) at Salisbury University advances a systems-based approach to understanding, analyzing, and resolving conflict. The Center provides professional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to both internal and external communities while serving as an applied learning hub where faculty and staff practitioners mentor undergraduate and graduate students through experiential education, research, and practice.
Vision
BCCR envisions resilient and collaborative communities in which conflict is approached as an opportunity for learning, equity, and constructive change. Guided by principles of neutrality, fairness, dignity, and cultural responsiveness, the Center seeks to strengthen individual, organizational, and community capacity for managing conflict across local, regional, and global contexts.
What We Do
BCCR delivers a comprehensive suite of ADR services and applied research initiatives that support constructive problem solving, improved communication, and equitable resolution of disputes. Our work integrates professional practice with academic training, allowing students to develop real-world competencies while supporting the University and broader community with accessible, high-quality conflict resolution services.
As a resource hub and training ground for future practitioners, BCCR contributes to institutional resilience, community trust-building, and the preparation of the next generation of conflict resolution professionals.
Teaching, Training, and Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is central to the Bosserman Center’s mission and to the founding Bosserman gift. Through a learning-hospital model, students work alongside faculty and professional staff to engage in mediation, facilitation, conflict coaching, workshops, and applied research projects. These opportunities allow students to translate theory into practice while developing ethical judgment, professional skills, and civic engagement.
History
Founded in 1992 by Dr. Phil Bosserman as the Center for Teaching Peace, the organization originally supported a Peace Studies minor and focused on peace education in local public schools. In 1995, the Center was renamed the Center for Conflict Resolution and expanded to provide mediation and conflict resolution services to the local community.
In the early 2000s, under the leadership of Dr. Brian Polkinghorn, the Center expanded through grants and contracts as a 501(c)(3) organization and adopted a learning-hospital model to support Salisbury University’s growing academic programs in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, which now include undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In 2012, the Center was renamed the Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution in honor of its founder’s lifelong commitment to peace. Today, BCCR continues this legacy by supporting applied education, research, and professional services that strengthen institutional and community capacity for managing conflict constructively.
Our Guiding Principles
Inspired by Gandhian principles of Peace Farming and the legacy of Dr. Arun Gandhi, BCCR approaches conflict with neutrality, dignity, education, and respect. We emphasize culturally responsive practice, systems thinking, and collaborative problem solving across all areas of our work.