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Victoria C Fontan

Victoria C Fontan is an academic, administrator and author known for her extensive work in peace and conflict studies and her role as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF).

1. Early Life and Education

Victoria Fontan holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Development Studies and a Doctorate in Education from Universidad de la Salle, Costa Rica. She was a Research Student at the Department of War Studies at King's College London and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Sabanci University in Turkey.

2. Academic Career

Fontan has held several key academic positions globally. She served as the Director of Academic Development and Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the United Nations-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She was the Founding Director of the Centre for Peace and Human Security at the American University of Kurdistan and held a professorship at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali in Colombia. Additionally, Fontan worked as an Assistant Professor at Salahaddin University in Iraq and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Colgate University in New York.

3. Contributions at AUAF

Since 2019, Fontan has been serving as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at AUAF. She played a critical role during the Taliban's takeover in 2021, ensuring the protection of university assets and the welfare of its staff and students. She has been instrumental in transitioning the university to an online format, catering to students globally.

4. Research and Publications

Fontan's research interests include critical terrorism studies, post-liberal peace-building, and the public diplomacy of armed groups. She has published extensively, including notable works such as "Decolonizing Peace" and "Voices from Post-Saddam Iraq." Her field research has taken her to Lebanon, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iraq.

5. Personal Philosophy

Fontan's work is driven by a commitment to peace, dignity, and understanding in conflict-affected areas. She is an advocate for education and empowerment, especially for women in challenging environments.