Monday, February 04, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Feb. 4, 2002



NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSIONER TEACHING COURSE AT UNC WILMINGTON



Wilmington, NC – New Hanover County Commissioner Bill Caster is bringing his experience as an elected official to the college classroom.

Caster is teaching Contemporary American Political Issues in UNCW’s Political Science Department this spring. This course focuses on significant local, state and national issues and their relationship with the American political process. With his participation in local politics in the last several years, Caster brings a hands-on approach to the learning experience. Caster holds an undergraduate degree in engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master in Oceanography from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate school. He holds two professional degrees from Golden Gate University, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration.

Caster said teaching is a rewarding opportunity for him. “I find the atmosphere exciting and enjoy the students and teaching. I believe my political, military, business and life experiences will be interesting to the students,” said Caster. “I hope I can continue teaching.”



As a visiting professor, Caster brings a closer link to the Political Science Department and local government. He is a member of the UNCW Master of Public Administration Advisory Board and has worked with other political science professors on different projects. “I have a close relationship with the Political Science Department. I do feel the department is reaching out to elected officials in the region.”



At the last county commissioner’s meeting, during a discussion on annexation, Caster integrated a conversation he had with one of his students about the issue.

“I want the students to have some understanding of local government and the tremendous effect it can and will have in their lives. It may not be evident now, but I believe it will later,” he said.