NC State Experts Can Address Challenges, Questions Facing Obama Transition
President-elect Barack Obama and a new Congress face challenges ranging from the economy to the war in Iraq as they prepare to take office in early 2009. Questions for the Obama presidency include: who will take key cabinet positions? Can Obama deliver on his promises pertaining to energy, education and the economy? Can Obama succeed in garnering bipartisan support in Congress and among voters? Experts at North Carolina State University can offer insight into what we can expect from our nation’s new leadership, and provide understanding of the issues that will place the nation’s challenges into context.
Dr. Andrew Taylor, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, 919/515-8618 or andrew_taylor@ncsu.edu, is an authority on the White House, Congress and public policy who can address questions related to filling cabinet positions and key political challenges facing the new president and Congress.
Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 919/515-4671 or michael_walden@ncsu.edu, is an expert on consumer economics, economic outlook and public policy.
Dr. William Boettcher, associate professor of political science, 919/515-5096 or william_boettcher@ncsu.edu, is an expert on U.S. foreign policy – with a specific focus on public opinion and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Boettcher’s work also addresses military strategy, counterinsurgency efforts and potential exit strategies for the conflict.
Mark Nance, lecturer in political science, 608/669-1196 or mark_nance@ncsu.edu, is an expert on international relations in Europe who can address international concerns ranging from relations regarding Russian and Georgia to the financial crisis gripping both Europe and the United States.
Dr. Richard C. Kearney, professor and director of the School of Public and International Affairs, 919/515-5069 or kearney@chass.ncsu.edu, is an authority on labor, environmental and energy policy – including “green collar” jobs and climate change.
Steve Kalland, director of the North Carolina Solar Center at NC State, 919/513-1896 or steve_kalland@ncsu.edu, is an authority on national energy policy, particularly on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Dr. Kenneth S. Zagacki, professor and head of the Communication Department, 919/515-9748 or kszagack@ncsu.edu, can provide expert insight into Obama’s rhetorical tone and what that can tell us about his future presidency.
Dr. Glenn Kleiman, executive director of NC State’s Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, 919/513-8503 or glenn_kleiman@ncsu.edu, can address education policy and funding questions – including No Child Left Behind – as well as future education challenges that will be faced by the next White House administration.
Dr. Jere Confrey, Joseph D. Moore Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics Education, 919/513-8523 or jere_confrey@ncsu.edu, is a national authority on science and math education who can address a host of education problems that the Obama presidency and the new Congress will have to address – including the need to develop more fair and valid math testing; develop new approaches to address low high school graduation rates; improve college readiness at the secondary-school level; and replace math and science teachers who are retiring or leaving the education field – especially in high-poverty settings.
