ABOUT THE CENTER

The Center for Public Affairs fosters academic engagement that combines learning with “real world” practice for students to be informed global citizens and leaders motivated by concern for the common good. It is comprehensive in its approach, responding to Elon University’s broader mission of teaching, research and public service.  The Center conducts its activities in a collaborative, nonpartisan manner and is focused on meeting the needs of students while enhancing the quality of community life and public discourse.

The Center is central to the Institute for Politics and Public Affair’s mission of eliminating the disconnect between academic endeavor and the real world of citizens, policy makers, administrators, activists and civic leaders.  It works cooperatively with public, public-private and nonprofit organizations (at the regional, state, national and international levels) in developing applied community-based research, training programs, organizing discussion forums and other practical assistance to organizations and communities searching for solution to difficult problems.

It utilizes the assistance of visiting speakers, seeks opportunities to apply innovative technologies to public policy issues and encourages activities designed to strengthen our students' educational experiences to better prepare them for professional careers and lives of active citizenship. With experiential education as its primary objective, the Center sponsors policy studies, policy relevant research projects, conferences, lecture series, and special speakers.  The Center embodies the university’s commitment to the study and discussion of creative ideas and new approaches to society’s most critical issues.

The Center maintains an active program of seminars, research projects and program evaluation while co-sponsoring and facilitating interdepartmental and interdisciplinary activities with faculty and students.

DIRECTOR of the CENTER FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS

  Betty Morgan

  Associate professor of political science & public administration

  Office: (336) 278-6428

  Email: morganb@elon.edu

Morgan teaches public administration courses and the European Union winter term class. Morgan arrived at Elon University in 1996 with a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, her master's from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a bachelor's degree from Elon.