New PACS professor brings a restorative-justice focus



Johonna McCants-Turner has been appointed by Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont., to a tenure-track faculty position as associate professor of peace and conflict studies (PACS) at Grebel, beginning July 1. She currently serves as assistant professor of restorative justice and peacebuilding at the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. McCants-Turner has a doctorate in American studies from the University of Maryland, where she focused on an interdisciplinary approach to urban peace studies, carceral studies, women’s studies and contemporary social movements. She has graduate certificates in women’s studies from the University of Maryland and urban youth ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in California. She has published essays, articles and chapters in the areas of faith-based peacebuilding, restorative justice and transformative justice, and is a sought-after speaker and presenter. “Johonna will bring a remarkable blend of excellent pedagogy, impactful research and real-world experience to our PACS program,” says Marcus Shantz, Grebel’s president.

—Conrad Grebel University College