William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences

The William Joiner Institute is named after William (Bill) Joiner, an African American veteran who served as the university’s first director of Veterans Affairs until his untimely death in 1981 from liver cancer associated with his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the military.

The institute promotes research, curriculum development, public events, and educational, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges which foster greater understanding and innovative means of addressing the consequences of war. Responding to wars in the 21st century, the Joiner Institute has begun to focus on the consequences of the Global War on Terrorism, particularly as manifested in the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.