The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Dean of College of Engineering to step down in June 2005

To George Swisher, who has worked with the engineering colleges for more than 30 years, the best part about his profession is watching ideas come into fruition.

Swisher, who is currently dean of the College of Engineering, has done so from different positions and places over the years, and will attempt yet another angle after stepping down next year.

Swisher will officially retire from the position in June 30, 2005. He has been dean since 1999 and is often recognized for his ability to lead others while still maintaining exceptional work of his own.

"He's a very good leader and his ethics and pride in his work are a real credit to the college," said Pansy Jones, who has worked as his administrative assistant for the past year and a half. "He has been an outstanding supervisor and teacher. He's an extraordinary person."

Provost John M. Dunn said the University has not yet set a date to begin a national search for his replacement. He said the University respects Swisher's decision to step down but will miss him.

"Dean Swisher has performed very well in the college and is a person who is viewed as an individual of very high integrity," Dunn said.

"I just thought it was time," said Swisher, who said he contemplated the decision for several months before the announcement. "I want to spend more time with my family and this is a very time consuming job.

"I've enjoyed working with the administration, faculty and staff during my time here."

Swisher said he is not certain if he will remain at the University as an instructor after stepping down next year. He said his top priority, at this time, is spending time with his family.

Swisher is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati where he received his bachelor's degree in 1966. He also received from a master's in 1967 and a doctoral degree in 1969 from Ohio State University.

Before coming to SIUC, Swisher held the same position at Tennessee Technological University. He spent a total of 26 years in Tennessee, holding the positions of dean, associate dean and faculty member.

The college was in a transitional period when Swisher was selected to lead it five years ago. Hasan Sevim, associate dean of the college, said Swisher handled several challenges, including filling empty positions, very well.

"When he came in we had a number of unfilled chairs and in turn he was able to find chairs for these programs," said Sevim, who has been with the College of Engineering for 21 years.

Swisher said having to deal with budget crunches as well as reduction in positions has posed occasional challenges. However, he said he has also seen a number of positive changes during his tenure as dean.

"We're doing a lot better with recruitment on the undergraduate and the graduate level," Swisher said. "We're doing a lot better job of retaining students and that's something that's very important here. Our two research centers have improved and we've gotten more funding for scholarships."

While Swisher is satisfied with progress the college has made in these areas, he said the highlights of his career have mostly to do with relationships with students and faculty. " I enjoy seeing students accomplish their goals, going to graduate school moving out into the workplace and talking to them later about their successes," he said.

Swisher said improvements that should made in the near future include stronger relationships with faculty, staff and chairs in the department and improvements funding.

During his time at SIUC, Swisher performed research work with several companies including Rockwell International and Owens Corning Fiberglass both in Ohio. He also helped bring Aisin Manufacturing companies, which make sunroofs, doorframes and latching systems, to the area.

 

 

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