I am the Robert Lee Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy at Western Carolina University. I previously served as department head from 2011-2021, and MPA Director from 2005-2010. My research and teaching focuses on American politics with an emphasis on state & local politics, North Carolina politics, elections, and southern politics.
My most recent book, Anatomy of a Purple State is available direct from the UNC Press site (Use code 01SOCIAL30 at checkout to save 30%), from my favorite bookstore, from that mom-and-pop shop Amazon.com, and from lots of other bookstores. You can even buy it at Wal-Mart.com (although I would not recommend it).
I enjoy speaking with journalists, writing for popular media, and talking with community groups about my areas of expertise. I have been quoted in a variety of outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, NPR, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, The New Yorker, Politico, Reuters, the News and Observer, the Charlotte Observer, WUNC, WFAE, Blue Ridge Public Radio, Smoky Mountain News, AVL Watchdog, WLOS, Spectrum News,, and the Asheville Citizen Times. I have also been an expert witness for voting rights and elections cases, serve on the Steering Committee for the Commission on the Future of Elections in North Carolina, helped co-author the 2024 NC Civic Index, am the current President of the NC Political Science Association, and serve in various and sundry related positions.
