Interim PPI Director - Dr. Todd Collins

Todd Collins is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Interim Director of the Public Policy Institute. His work on the courts, public policy, immigration, media, the presidency, and Congress has appeared in Political Research Quarterly, the Maryland Law Review, PS: Political Science and Politics, Judicature, Law and Policy, White House Studies, Politics and Religion, and other journals. He has won awards in recognition for outstanding research and teaching.

Graduate Assistants

Joshua Purdy - Public Affairs

Joshua began working in the Public Policy Institute as a Graduate Assistant during the Fall 2010 semester.  He has achieved a Double Bachelor of Science degree in Parks & Recreation Management and Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University.  Joshua has held various positions in the field of recreation including experience as an Activities Coordinator and Camp Director for several non-profit & public organizations.  His interest in programs that promote active living as with the continued development of recreational spaces in Western North Carolina has led to his enrollment in the Master of Public Affairs program at Western Carolina University.

Contact Josh @ purdyjoshua@aol.com

Sam Riddle - Public Affairs

Sam is from Yadkinville, NC.  He graduated from UNC-Asheville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Economics.  Sam began working in the Public Policy Institute as a Graduate Assistant during the Fall 2011 semester.

Contact Sam @ s.riddle21@yahoo.com

 Laura Dintsch - Public Affairs

Laura is a recent graduate from WCU and is a Criminal Justice major. She began working in the PPI as a Graduate Assistant during the Spring 2012 semester. She has lived in Asheville for the past 16 years and loves it. She would like to stay in this area after she finishes school. She is currently employed at The Grove Park Inn. Laura hopes to have a career in criminal rehabilitation.

Contact Laura @ ldintsch@gmail.com

Emily Elders

A native of Jackson County, Emily has worked with local governments, businesses, and nonprofits on environmental projects and policy, events, and fundraising and development, and is a former small business owner. She attended Southwestern Community College and UNC-Asheville and studies social philosophy and policy at WCU. She lives in Sylva with her daughter.

Contact Emily @ emelders@email.wcu.edu

Thaddeus Huff - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Charlie Foxx - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Sami Disu - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs (2008-2009)

Brooke Crompton - Graduate Assistant-Public Affairs (2009-2010).  Currently employed with the City of Asheville

Robert Blankenship - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Darren Dodd - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Wade Livingston - Undergraduate Student.  Currently Assistant Professor at Clemson University

Michael Hancock - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Jonathan Sofley - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Trisha Harden - Graduate Assistant-Public Affairs.  Currently employed with the City of Asheville

Amanda Shirk - Undergraduate Student in PSC and education

Jason Coggins - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Ronnie Hewitt - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs.

Demorris Davis - Undergraduate Student in PSC. 

John Westbrooks - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs.  Currently employed as a US Air Marshall.

Alex Pellom - Graduate Assistant - Public Affairs

Greg Hirsch - Undergraduate student in PSC

Teena Watty - Undergraduate student in PSC

Shane Pellom - Currently employed as an emergency preparedness planner wth the city of Jacksonville, NC.