Elon College, N.C. — Elon College has established the Elon Institute for Politics and Public Affairs, an initiative of the political science department which will provide learning opportunities for students, serve as a resource for government agencies and non-profit organizations and conduct the Elon Poll.
The institute, which is made up of three centers, will be directed by political science professor George Taylor. The Institute seeks to facilitate informed decision making on issues affecting the public interest and to strengthen civic leadership.
Betty Morgan, assistant professor of political science, is director of the institute’s Center for Public Affairs.
The Center works cooperatively with public, public-private, and non-profit organizations at the regional, state, national and international levels, in developing research, training, and other practical assistance to organizations and communities searching for solutions to problems.
Laura Roselle, associate professor of political science will direct the Center for Media Analysis and Research, which archives and analyzes the content of North Carolina print and broadcast media and serves as a resource for other social science inquiry on changing societal attitudes and public opinion in North Carolina.
Sharon Spray, assistant professor of political science, will direct the Elon Poll and the Center for Public Opinion Polling. The Elon Poll conducts frequent state-wide scientific telephone polls on issues of importance to North Carolinians. It is a non-partisan polling operation, and information gathered from statewide polls is shared with media, citizens, and researchers to facilitate representative democracy and public policy making through the better understanding of the opinions and needs of North Carolina citizens.
Four Elon Polls will be conducted during the fall campaign, concentrating on statewide North Carolina races and the presidential campaign.
“The Institute of Politics and Public Affairs at Elon will be a valuable resource for citizens and elected officials,” says Elon President Leo M. Lambert. “Our outstanding political science faculty members will have the opportunity to share their expertise with the public and help voters make informed choices about government. And our students will have the chance to get involved in the important work of citizenship.”
Funding for the Institute of Politics and Public Affairs is provided by Elon College. Elon students and faculty members from several disciplines will be involved in conducting polls and other projects. A search is under way for national advisory board members to guide the establishment and growth of the institute.