Ellen J. Kennedy, Ph.D., a sociologist, is the Interim Director at the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, University of Minnesota. She promotes holocaust and genocide education in Minnesota and the neighboring states through conferences, workshops, and special programs. She previously was a professor for nearly thirty years. Kennedy is the founder and director of the Genocide Intervention Network-Minnesota, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a citizen constituency that will prevent and stop genocide. The organization focuses on education about genocide with special attention on Darfur; legislative advocacy; and fund-raising to enhance safety, security and humanitarian aid in crisis situations. She was involved in successful divestment legislation regarding Darfur for Minnesota cities, the state of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Bar Association.
Kennedy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and has doctorate degrees in both sociology and business from the University of Minnesota.