Public Participation Partners
Resolve conflict. Build consensus. Engage communities.
Dr. Larry Schooler is a mediator, facilitator, and conflict management consultant with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations and communities turn disagreement into progress.
About
Bridging theory and practice in conflict resolution
Dr. Larry Schooler is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin, where he teaches courses in conflict resolution, facilitation, leadership, and communication. He also serves as faculty panel co-chair for the Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies certificate program and the Ethics in Leadership certificate program.
As Principal of Public Participation Partners, he assists government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups with public engagement, strategic planning, facilitation, and conflict management across the country. His work has been recognized by Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Awards and the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy.
He holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in History from Yale University. He is a lecturer, author, podcast co-host, and active board member of organizations that promote civic life, dialogue, and democracy.
Services
What Public Participation Partners offers
Practical, research-backed support for organizations that need to engage the public, manage change, and resolve conflict constructively.
Corporate Training
Custom workshops that build communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills for teams.
Change Management
Structured facilitation that helps organizations navigate transitions with buy-in and clarity.
Executive Coaching
One-on-one coaching for leaders who need to manage difficult conversations and high-stakes relationships.
Leadership Development
Programs that strengthen facilitative leadership and ethical decision-making at every level.
Team Building
Interactive sessions that improve trust, communication, and collaboration within teams.
Strategic Planning
Collaborative planning processes that align stakeholders around a shared vision and measurable goals.
Non-profit Consulting
Governance, facilitation, and engagement support for mission-driven organizations.
Management Consulting
Advisory support that helps leaders address conflict, improve processes, and strengthen culture.
Public Speaking
Keynotes and presentations on civic engagement, conflict resolution, and facilitative leadership.
Ghostwriting
Writing support for executives, thought leaders, and organizations shaping public discourse.
Highlights
A track record of engagement
15+
Years of facilitation & mediation experience
13K+
LinkedIn followers & professional network
500+
Connections across sectors
7
Honors & awards for civic engagement work
Featured projects
From Chaos to Collaboration
A workshop designed to help cities engage citizens effectively in decision-making.
Beyond the Town Hall
Innovations in public policy dispute resolution for ADR practitioners and agencies.
Conversation Corps
Recognized citizen engagement initiative for the City of Austin.
Top skills
Experience
Current roles & leadership
Assistant Professor of Practice
The University of Texas at Austin
Teaches conflict resolution, facilitation, leadership, and communication.
Sep 2023 – Present
Principal Consultant
Public Participation Partners
Leads public engagement, strategic planning, facilitation, and conflict resolution projects.
Jun 2011 – Present
Senior Fellow, Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
The University of Texas at Austin
Convenes public dialogue, civic engagement training, and research.
Jun 2014 – Present
Faculty Panel Co-Chair
The University of Texas at Austin
Oversees Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies and Ethics & Leadership certificate programs.
Nov 2023 – Present
Instructor
Texas Prison Education Initiative
Teaches conflict resolution to incarcerated students at the Lockhart Correctional Facility.
Jan 2026 – Present
Education
Credentials
Ph.D., Conflict Analysis & Resolution
Nova Southeastern University
76-hour doctoral program focused on practice, research, policy, and theory.
B.A., History
Yale University
Focused on early American/colonial history; completed the Teacher Preparation program.
From conflict to consensus
Conflict2Consensus is the practice of Public Participation Partners — pairing impartial mediation with inclusive facilitation so every voice is heard and decisions actually stick.
Contact
Let’s turn disagreement into progress
Reach out to discuss a facilitation, training, or consulting engagement.