news-category: Faculty GWU’s Elizabeth Amato will Participate on Election Night Panel for WSOC-TV By Office of University Communications On October 30, 2020 Political Science Experts Will Offer Analysis on U.S. and N.C. Races BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The outcome of the 2020 presidential election, according to many news analysts, might not be known on election night. After the polls close on Nov. 3, and Americans wait for results, Dr. Elizabeth Amato, Gardner-Webb University assistant professor of political science, will provide analysis for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C. She is part of a panel of experts assembled by the station for coverage beginning at 7 p.m. “Pennsylvania and North Carolina are crucial swing states, and both have extended the deadline for election boards to receive and count absentee ballots,” Amato observed. “Most likely, neither candidate will concede the race until those states are called. Also, in response to the pandemic, many states have changed voting procedures and are expecting record numbers of absentee ballots. Any time there’s a change to an administrative process, it takes time for the people involved to adapt. Election boards are scrambling to be prepared.” Five other panelists will offer insight on the returns, including Dr. Michael Bitzer, Catawba College (Salisbury, N.C.); Dr. Mary Jo McGowan, UNC-Charlotte; Dr. Aaron Houck, Queens University (Charlotte); Dr. Cary Fraser, Appalachian State University (Boone, N.C.); and Dr. Helen Adair King, Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte). During the evening, the experts will join the conversation remotely to discuss trends and outcomes. They will look at the races for the presidency, N.C. governor, N.C. senate and S.C. senate. The panel will also discuss candidates and issues important to Charlotteans, such as: City of Charlotte bond referendums and Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. Other races they will follow are N.C. Lt. Governor, U.S. House of Representatives District 11 (Mark Meadows’ former seat); and N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Seat 1 (Cheri Beasley/Paul Newby). Amato will be asked to comment on a variety of topics, from the impacts of COVID-19 to foreign interference on the presidential race. The panel of experts may also weigh in on down-ballot voting, such as more straight Democrat or straight Republican voting this year, and the impact of the new Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. “Watch the swing states like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida,” Amato offered. “These will be the states that determine the winner. Trump won Michigan by a razor thin 10,000 votes. His win in Wisconsin was also painfully close at 22,000 votes. There’s a few other states to watch like Nevada and Minnesota. Both states voted for Clinton in 2016, but the margins were close. Trump has been campaigning there in the hopes of expanding his electoral votes.” Amato’s scholarly interests are politics and the American presidency. Her teaching responsibilities include Constitutional Law, Presidency & Congress, American Political Parties, American Politics, and Modern Political Philosophy. She is the author of “The Pursuit of Happiness and the American Regime: Political Theory in Literature.” Learn more about the Department of Social Sciences. Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb Community Remembers Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Perrin: Musician, Mountain Climber and Missionary Perrin, who Taught at GWU for 34 Years, Passed Away on May 14, 2025 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Professor Emeritus of Music Dr. Phil Perrin, who shared his love for God and music with many students during his 34 years at the University, passed away on May 14, 2025. He also found ways to combine his […] Office of University Communications | May 16, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Assistant Provost Dr. Greg Pillar Selected to Participate in National Conference Inaugural HigherEd PodCon Showcases Over 40 Presenters from North America BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Assistant Provost Dr. Greg Pillar has been selected to participate in the inaugural HigherEd PodCon set for July 12 at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Pillar is one of over 40 presenters and will be featured in a session on […] Office of University Communications | May 14, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumnus and Retired Navy Commander John E. Sutton is Speaker for University’s Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be Held on May 23 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb will host its Memorial Day Observance on Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel, and the public is welcome to attend. Each year, the University sets aside this time to remember the lives of those who have […] Office of University Communications | May 13, 2025