Community Building and Conflict Resolution

Approximately 50 high school students from Prince Edward County Schools and Fuqua Schools met at the recently dedicated Moton Museum on Monday, October 15 '01 for a most provocative presentation. Dr. James D. Phillips '74, director of the Conflict Resolution Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University, spoke of his previous experiences in moving diverse groups toward mutually agreeable solutions.

In particular, Phillips talked about his meetings with Chesterfield County officials and various other county-based groups to hammer out an agreement concerning the County's "Confederate History and Heritage Month" proclamations.

Dr. Phillips obtained a law degree from the T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond, Virginia, and his Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver. He has had extensive experience in negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution, and received an award for his mediation efforts in Chesterfield County.

  

(l) Students listen intently, as (r) Dr. Phillips makes his presentation.

  

(l) Dr. Marion enjoys a reaction from a student; (r) students in the Moton Museum meeting room.

Following the presentation at the Moton Museum, Dr. Phillips went to the Hampden-Sydney campus to discuss the case again with students at the Old Tiger Inn. He also spoke about the Conflict Resolution Program at VCU and the opportunities available to persons who have a degree in conflict resolution. He then joined a group of students and teachers for dinner and further discussion.