John Holder

John Holder is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Political Science at Winthrop University, associated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He has been teaching at Winthrop since 1995, with interruptions for graduate studies. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2013), an M.Phil. in Political Science (1993), and an M.A. in Political Science (1990) from George Washington University, and a B.A. in Political Science from Haverford College (1985).

• Research Interests: His work primarily focuses on electoral effects of gerrymandering, with broader interests in American Government, State and Local Government, Political Parties, and South Carolina Politics. He also teaches the interdisciplinary course The Human Experience: Who Am I?, exploring identity through philosophical, political, and sociological lenses.
• Academic Roles: Holder serves as an Internship Coordinator and has advised student organizations like the Winthrop chapters of Circle K, Habitat for Humanity, and currently the College Democrats. He holds leadership roles in the American Political Science Association Committee on the Status of Contingent Faculty and has been active in state and national political science associations.
• Notable Achievements:
  • Received the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award (2016-2017)
  • Visited all 50 U.S. state Capitol buildings as a hobby related to his teaching on State and Local Government
  • Financed his doctoral studies through a $59,350 win on Wheel of Fortune (December 20, 2004)
• Public Engagement: Holder has served on the South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee, been a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and held leadership roles in local civic organizations like the Kiwanis Club of Rock Hill and Habitat for Humanity of York County.