Contact: Sammy McDavid
Two top political science majors at Mississippi State are in Europe through Aug. 17 as delegates to the seventh annual Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution.
Senior Frank E. "Smith" Lilley of Clinton and junior Jennifer L. Phillips of Starkville are among a select group of university students and young professionals invited to the four-week program at The Hague, The Netherlands.
In addition to being the seat of Dutch government, The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, as well as 70 diplomatic embassies.
Both students are President's List Scholars who are members of Air Force ROTC, MSU's John C. Stennis-G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Association and the campus College Republicans chapter, among other organizations.
The institute they are attending is an annual event organized by the nearby Erasmus University of Rotterdam and the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. This year's session began Saturday [July 20].
To be considered for admission, candidates must be at least 20 years old with a demonstrated interest in the field of international relations. They also must either be graduate students or undergraduates with records of academic excellence.
Lilley, a Clinton High School graduate and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lilley, attends MSU as an Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholar and a Stennis Scholar in Political Science. He also holds the Robert C. Byrd, National Merit and Air Force ROTC Commander's Leadership scholarships.
Phillips, also a Stennis Scholar, is a Starkville High School graduate and the daughter of Judith Phillips of Starkville and Edward Phillips of Columbus. She additionally has received MSU Academic and Air Force ROTC scholarships.
"This institute is the only international organization specifically dedicated to training young people in the principles of conflict resolution," said Rick Travis, MSU associate professor of political science. "It's an interdisciplinary program led by international scholars, negotiation and mediation experts, and current and former diplomats that combines academic theory and substance with hands-on simulations."
In addition to developing practical skills in preventing or confronting conflict, the institute provides participants with a forum for career guidance and networking, he added.
"Smith and Jennifer have a tremendous opportunity to meet, study with and get to know other young people from around the world with shared interests," he said. "While forming lasting friendships, they will have experiences that may shape their lives and future careers."
In addition to the MSU political science department and Stennis Institute of Government, Lilley and Phillips' participation at the 2002 institute is being supported by the University Honors Program and the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.