Dr. Steve Iliff, dean of the school of professional studies, is currently celebrating his 13th year with Avila University. Dr. Iliff has conducted extensive research in conflict resolution and peace studies.  His scholarship reaches out not only to academic pursuits but also extends to community engagement.

Dr. Iliff is also an avid blood donor for the Community Blood Center of Kansas City, and he has been on twenty, 14,000 ft. peak climbs as a mountain climber.  Although he is no “cliffhanger”, he proves by example that with hard work and determination any goal can be achieved.

Dr. Iliff is the Amnesty International Legislative Coordinator for Kansas, serves on the American Friends Service Committee Central Region Executive Committee, and serves as chair of the AFSC program committee. He is also a member of the Peace & Justice Studies Association, (PJSA), and provides one-on-one mediation services, training workshops on conflict resolution, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

This semester Dr. Iliff teaches Peace Studies, and has taught Leadership and Conflict Resolution. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. He holds both a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in non-profit management, and an Inter-Disciplinary Ph.D. in Educational and Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.