John O. Schwenn

John O. Schwenn
4th President of Dalton State College
In office
March 1, 2008 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by James A. Burran
Succeeded by Margaret Venable, Interim
Interim President of Emporia State University
In office
May 31, 2006 – October 31, 2006
Preceded by Kay Schallenkamp
Succeeded by Michael R. Lane
Vice President for Academic Affairs
at Emporia State University
In office
1997–2008
Personal details
Born August 19, 1949
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Spouse(s) Judy Schwenn
Alma mater University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (B.S.)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (M.S.; PhD)
Occupation Education

John O. Schwenn, Ph.d, (born August 19, 1949) is an American education administrator, most recently serving as the fourth president of Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia. Before his presidency at Dalton State, Schwenn served various roles at Emporia State University and Delta State University[1]

Biography

Education

Schwenn received three degrees: a bachelor's of science, a master's of science and a doctorate.[2] He first received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 1971, followed by a master's degree and doctorate in rehabilitation and special education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1973 and 1976.[3]

Early career and Emporia State University

In 1976, Schwenn started his career as a faculty member and Director of Special Education at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Thirteen years later in 1989, Schwenn moved to Emporia, Kansas to become the Associate Chair of Psychology and Special Education at Emporia State University (ESU). Schwenn held various positions including the Chair of Psychology and Special Education, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. in 1997 when the university received a new president, Schwenn was named the Vice President for Academic Affairs, a position he held until he left the university in 2008.[4] On May 2006, Schwenn began his career as the Interim President of ESU, serving until October 31, 2006.[5]

Delta State College president

In November 2007, the University System of Georgia chancellor announced that Schwenn would become the fourth president of Dalton State College beginning in March 2008.[3] While Schwenn was president of Dalton State, he increassed the number of bachelor’s degrees offered at the college from six to 17, increased graduation rates, expanded the college with a satellite campus in Gilmer County and developed the college’s first residence hall, which opened in 2010. He has also overseen the growth of faculty and student research. Also, the percentage of Hispanic students enrolled at the college has increased from 10.8 percent in fall 2007 to 19.3 percent in fall 2013.[6] Schwenn retired in December 2014.[7]

References