"Don't be afraid to fail and if you do fail, try again, but do it strategically," North Carolina Governor Patrick L. McCrory '78 told an audience of graduates and their families and friends at Catawba College's 10 a.m. Commencement Exercise on May 11. Showing off a pair of red boxing gloves given to him by his friend George Foreman, the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, McCrory relayed a story about his own failure to win the North Carolina gubernatorial election in 2008.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on WFAE discussing the North Carolina GOP Leaders' plan to cut and expand taxes. Bitzer said it is an ambitious plan. "In conjunction with the budget, with voter I.D., with a lot of other big-ticket items that Republicans campaigned on, this is probably going to be the most controversial and biggest hurdle that they're going to have to try and get through if they want...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several articles concerning current political issues. Read the articles...

Members of the Catawba College community gathered in Omwake-Dearborn Chapel on April 23 to celebrate achievement. The occasion was the annual Awards Convocation.Scheduled the day after Earth Day, the awards distributed were eco-friendly, made of Catawba blue, 100% recycled glass. They symbolized the college's commitment to environmental responsibility and are a reminder to the recipients to promote a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

A group of students from the "Politics & Public Policy" class went to Raleigh to speak to members of the media, legislative staff, lobbyists, senators, representatives, and the Governor to see the legislative process in action. During the trip, the students sat in on the opening sessions of both chambers and were recognized by the Speaker and the Lt. Governor, along with sitting in on a committee hearing to witness debate on the voter identification bill pending...

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the Charlotte Observer's website discussing the slowing of GOP lawmaking momentum at the halfway point and how well the House and Senate work together could determine how messy it gets. Bitzer said how the relationship progresses will help define the session.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured on the WRAL.com website discussing Gov. Pat McCrory's plans to ignore peripheral issues, to stay away from legislative peccadilloes and spend time on his "Three Es:" economy, education and efficiency.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a Winston-Salem Journal Journal article discussing Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx's decision to not run for re-election. Bitzer said Foxx will have numerous opportunities if he wants to continue in politics.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in a WSOCTV.com article discussing how new local leaders might inherit divisive issues. Bitzer said that change is part of the job. "Those people that have risen to that level generally know this is the way that business works," he said.

Catawba College professor of politics and political expert Dr. J. Michael Bitzer was recently featured in several local and national articles discussing the proposed bill for establishing a state religion in North Carolina.