Diane Swartz is new vice president for student affairs
June 27, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Dr. Diane K. Swartz has been named Western Michigan University's vice president for student affairs.
Swartz, who has served as interim vice president for student affairs since late October, was appointed to the position by WMU President Elson S. Floyd, effective July 1 and pending approval by the WMU Board of Trustees. She replaces Dr. Theresa A. Powell, who left WMU to take a position at Temple University.
"I'm delighted that Dr. Swartz has accepted this new challenge," said Floyd in making the announcement. "She has spent nearly a decade here building strong relationships with students, faculty and staff, and she has been an effective and consistent advocate for students on a variety of important issues. It is wonderful to be able to tap such a strong leader who already is closely attuned to both our University and our home community."
As vice president for student affairs, Swartz will oversee a wide range of student-oriented programs and services, including Student Activities and Leadership Programs, Residence Life, Off-Campus Life, the Sindecuse Health Center, Student Judicial Affairs, the University Counseling and Testing Center, University Recreation, Disabled Students Resources and Services, the Division of Multicultural Affairs, University Substance Abuse Services, the Western Herald, the student radio station WIDR and the Office of the Dean of Students.
"I have enjoyed working with my colleagues in the division of student affairs and across the university both as dean of students and as interim VP for student affairs," said Swartz. "I am enthused and energized about this new opportunity and look forward to serving the WMU community in the role of vice president. The overwhelming support I have received from faculty, staff, and student colleagues has been both gratifying and humbling."
Prior to assuming the post on an interim basis, Swartz had served as dean of students since 1993. She came to WMU from Virginia's Lynchburg College, where she served first as assistant dean of student affairs and then associate dean of student affairs. She also had held student affairs positions at Wheaton College, Michigan State University, Southern Methodist University and the University of Maryland at College Park.
Swartz earned a bachelor's degree at Wheaton in 1978, a master's degree in college student personnel administration from MSU in 1980 and a doctoral degree in the same area from the University of Maryland in 1991.
She has been a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators since 1980 and the American College Personnel Association since 1981.
Media contact: Matt Kurz, 269 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu