Southwestern University 103 Diamond Trail P.O. Box 770 Georgetown, Texas 78633 Georgetown, Texas 78627-0770 (512) 818-2075 (512) 863-1940 ronlswain@verizon.net swainr@southwestern.edu PROFILE A visionary leader who consistently demonstrates a commitment to strengthening independent liberal arts institutions through strategic planning, student learning assessment, fundraising, engaging diversity, financial management, and collaborating with community partners towards organizational excellence. Areas of Expertise Accreditation Assessment & institutional research Diversity Financial management & governance in nonprofit organizations Institutional advancement & government relations Organizational excellence & continuous improvement Strategic planning Technology in higher education EDUCATION GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Ed. D., Higher Education Administration Washington, DC 1987 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA M. Ed., Organizational Development THE SHAW DIVINITY SCHOOL M. Div., Theological Studies DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY M. Ed. Counselor Education B. A., History Chapel Hill, NC 1983 Raleigh, NC 1975 Pittsburgh, PA 1972 1970 SPECIALIZED TRAINING: HARVARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, Institute for Educational Management NATIONAL SOCIETY OF FUND RAISING EXECUTIVES Certified Fund Raising Executive - CFRE SOCIETY OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PLANNING INSTITUTE, Certificate in Planning Cambridge, MA 1994 Alexandria, VA 1992 Ann Arbor, MI 2007
Page 2 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Senior Advisor to the President As a key member of the senior administrative staff, advises and assists the president on all aspects of the University s operations, especially matters of strategic planning, assessment, diversity, and accreditation. Georgetown, TX 2000 Present Strategic Planning & Assessment Diversity Accreditation Liaison Supervises the university-wide institutional research and assessment functions. Collaborates with Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and members of the Budget Committee to integrate institutional plans and the budgeting process based on priorities established by the President and Senior Staff. Leads the effort to create a new Lifelong Learning Institute. Managed the process for creating Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Southwestern University, 2010 2020 Coordinated the creation of a new strategic plan, working closely with the President and trustees to: select the planning consultant, staff the Commission on Planning and Action chaired by the President, arrange for constituent input and feedback, and manage all communications regarding the planning process and the draft plan. Coordinated the annual planning and assessment processes to implement the University s Strategic Plan for 2010. Strengthened strategic planning process by implementing best practices for selective liberal arts colleges. Developed process to assess core values using national surveys. Authored Mid-Decade Report which led to a revision of the University s Strategic Plan for 2010, approved by the Board of Trustees. Created a Memorandum of Agreement to partner with Senior University Georgetown. Developed the Diversity Component of the University s Strategic Plan for 2010. Created the Engaged Diversity project, funded by the Mellon Foundation for student and faculty exchanges. Recruited four other liberal arts colleges, including three HBCU s to participate in student and faculty exchange program as an initiative of the 2010 Plan: Dillard University, Huston-Tillotson University, Morehouse College, and Rhodes College. Created Articulation Agreement with Community Colleges to increase the enrollment of transfer students. Ensures compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Principles of Accreditation and fulfill all reporting requirements. Manages the decennial reaffirmation of accreditation for 2013. Presented paper on assessing core values at SACSCOC national conference. Served on as of on-site and off-site SACSCOC evaluation committees. Participated in the SACSCOC Institutional Effectiveness pilot study.
Page 3 Grant Awards Economic Development University Service and Committee Secured $375,000 funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for the Engaged Diversity Student and Faculty Exchange Program. Secured and implemented $160,000 Mellon grant to provide technology training and support for Dillard University faculty. Secured and managed the $49,000 Rotary Foundation grant for The Caring Place Georgetown. Secured $461,340 federal grant from Health Service Research Administration to purchase equipment for the Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center (TLCC). Secured $263,000 federal grant from U.S. Department of Education for the Hispanic Studies Center in conjunction with the National Hispanic Institute. Played a leadership role in creating the Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, a joint venture between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Southwestern University (SU) and the City of Georgetown. Uniquely positioned Georgetown as a biotech hub which continually benefits SU students through internships. Advised Georgetown Economic Development and City leaders on recruitment of businesses during tenure as Economic Development Commission Chair and member. Resulted in the addition of Tasus (Toyota supplier) Corporation and Wolf Ranch Retail Center to the City. Member, Budget Committee Member and Staff liaison, Commission on Planning and Action Member, Diversity Enrichment Committee (DEC); Chair, 2011 - Present Member, Proposal Planning Committee Member, University Council Member, Provost Search Committee Member, Integrated Marketing Task Force Recorder for Senior Staff Chair, Georgetown/Southwestern Task Force Chair, Lifelong Learning Task Force Chair, Core Values Council Chair, DEC subcommittee on Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Retention Chair, Articulation Agreement Task Force WILEY COLLEGE President President-elect Appointed as the 15 th president of Wiley College after successfully serving as president-elect. Marshall, TX 1998 2000 1997 1998 Visionary & Positioning Positioned the College as an outstanding, church-related liberal arts institution in the United States. Energized Wiley s efforts to meet the demands of a technological, global economy while preserving the significant heritage and deeply held values of the College.
Page 4 Inspired common vision around the value of Student-centered community of learning and faith as a guiding principle to implement priorities. Laid groundwork for gaining community support for the College, which had been sorely lacking for many years. Strategic Planning & Leveraging Technology Infrastructure Financial Enrollment Management Fund Raising Faculty Development Initiated a College-wide strategic planning process that resulted in increased technological capabilities. Extended computer usage throughout the campus, providing laptop computers to each student. Improved the information systems leading to increased network, internet and computing capabilities and resources for the library. Invested in and secured funding for capital improvements, such as acquisition of building, renovation of classrooms, residence halls, the president s house, and construction of the new chapel. Projects financed partially by grant funding, thereby minimizing debt. Consistently maintained balanced operating budgets. Engaged external consultants to assess and recommend restructuring the financial management of the College. Created enrollment management unit, elevating recruitment and admissions standards. Purchased and renovated Atlanta Life Insurance Building into new Enrollment Management Center to meet growing enrollment demands. Directed successful strategies to increase endowments and scholarships. Commissioned campaign fund readiness study increasing operational effectiveness in preparation for launching a capital campaign. Provided computers and training for faculty members while advancing the College to a position of leadership in the use of computer technology throughout the curriculum. Fund Raising THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND, INC., (UNCF) National Development Director for Individual and Planned Giving Provided national leadership and direction for identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, stewardship strategies and activities for major gift and planned giving donors. Fairfax, VA 1995 1997 Business & Organizational Management Fund Raising National Director of CAMPAIGN 2000 Planned and managed capital fund raising, developed campaign communications, public relations programs, and stewardship for the final phase of comprehensive campaign. Raised $280 million in pledges and gifts exceeding the $250 million goal. New York, NY 1995 1995
Page 5 SHAW UNIVERSITY Raleigh, NC 1980 1994 Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Planning 1988 1994 Strategic Planning- Leveraging Technology & Infrastructure Fund raising & Grant Management Teaching Chaired the Shaw University Strategic Planning Committee that produced the institution s plan for the 1990 s Strategies for Excellence. Acquired turnkey computer system (hardware & software) with a two-unit local area network for donor database management, word processing and report generation. Minimized expenses through grant funding. Expanded, renovated, and enhanced campus facilities while minimizing debt burden through grant funding. Managed U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening HBCU s grant of $5,885,985 over seven years. Managed the fund-raising campaign to raise $1 million to meet the U.S. Department of Education Endowment challenge grant of $2 million. Awarded and managed the $105,000 Lilly Endowment Grant for institutional development. Exceeded goal of $25 million by raising $28.5 million as leader of the Wings for the Future Shaw University s Capital Campaign. Appointed Adjunct Professor of Education at North Carolina State University. Taught graduate level course Institutional Advancement and Fund Raising in Higher Education. Director of Development 1987 1988 Fund raising Secured $50,000 Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation grant to enhance the development office. Co-managed the Shaw University/St. Augustine College United Negro College Fund annual and telethon campaigns raising $150,000. On sabbatical, with a grant from the UNCF, to complete requirements for the Ed. D. in Higher Education Administration, George Washington University. Washington, DC 1985 1987 Director of Church Relations 1984 1985 Relationship Management Cultivated and maintained positive relationships with the University's religious constituency, especially leaders and members of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc. and its auxiliaries.
Page 6 Special Assistant to the President 1981 1985 Institutional Grant Management Served as liaison for institutional activities between academic and nonacademic areas. Proposal writer and activity director for Title III Grant Activity - Total Involvement Program at Shaw (TIPS). Associate Dean of Students 1980 1981 Student Affairs & Counseling Managed staff development, program development and planning, and counseling. University Service and Committee Member, the President's Cabinet Member, SACS Self-Study Steering Committee Chair, Committee on Strategic Planning Chair, Marketing Task-Force Chair, Self-Study Sub-committee on Administrative Processes THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA Chapel Hill, NC Area Director for the Craige Graduate Center 1978 1980 Student Life Enrichment Enriched campus life experience for graduate students. Directed administration, counseling, staff supervision and training, and program development and planning. SHAW UNIVERSITY Raleigh, NC 1974 1978 Director of Counseling 1975 1978 Student Affairs & Counseling Managed comprehensive counseling services consisting of academic advisement, career planning and placement, foreign student advisement, and testing under the University's Title III AIDP Grant. Student Activities Counselor 1974 1975 Student Life Enrichment Engaged students to improve the quality of campus life through collaborative student activities program development. Positively guided student organizations through proactive counseling and advisement. Served as Co-Director of the Student Union.
Page 7 University Minister 1974 1990 Ministry Service & Outreach Planned and conducted Sunday worship services, advised student religious organizations, planned and coordinated such observances as Religious Emphasis Week. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY Raleigh, NC Area Coordinator 1972 1974 Campus & Teaching Coordinated Residence Life Program for 800-1,000 undergraduate students. Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY Pittsburgh, PA Residence Director 1970 1972 Campus Coordinated Residence Life Program for 300-600 undergraduate students in a co-educational facility. HONORS Owen W. Sherrill Lifetime Achievement Award, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, 2010 Roll of Fame, District 5870, Rotary International, Inc., 2010 Career Achievement Award, Mount de Sales Academy, 2004 Century Club of Distinguished Duquesne Alumni, Duquesne University, 2000 Charles A. Dana Faculty Improvement Award, United Negro College Fund, Inc., 1985-1987 Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Administrative Fellowship Program, 1981-1984 The International Who's Who of Intellectuals, 1981 Outstanding Young Men in America, 1980 Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1978-1979 Who's Who Among Black Americans, 1977-1978, 1989 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2000 - Present Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, 1998 - Present National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Triangle Chapter, Board of Directors, 1990-1994; President, 1994 Society for College and University Planning, 1987-1994; 2002 - Present American Association for Higher Education, 1985-1987 Association for the Study of Higher Education, 1985-1987
Page 8 Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Fraternity, 1985-1987 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Texas Methodist Foundation, President s Council, 2011 - Present Society for College and University Planning, Academic Planning Academy, 2008 - Present Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee, 2008 - Present External Commission to Plan for the Future of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at The George Washington University, 2007 Associated Colleges of the South, Diversity Conference Planning Committee, 2007-2008 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Accreditation Evaluator, 2002 - Present The National Council for Education and Human Development at The George Washington University, 2000-2011; Vice Chair, 2007-2010 Texas United Methodist College Association (TUMCA), Chairman, 2000-2001 Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT), Board of Directors, 1999-2002 The University Senate of the United Methodist Church and the Black College Fund, Visiting Committee, 1999 United Negro College Fund, Inc., Government Affairs and Program Services Committees, 1998-2000 International NSFRE Conference, Educational Advisory Board, 1995-1997 North Carolina Governor's Conference on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Planning Committee, 1992-1994 North Carolina Internship Council, Member, 1992-1994 Business Innovation Technology Advancement Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, Board Member, 1990-1994 The George Washington University - Epson, America Marketing Project, Research Associate, 1987 The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Research Office, Washington, DC, Research Associate, 1987 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Reference Center, Washington, DC, Administrative Intern, 1986 United States Department of Education, Review Panelist, 1977-1980; 1983-1987; 1998-2000 RESEARCH Swain, R. L. (1987) Strategic Planning for the Use of Computer Technology in Predominantly Black Colleges and Universities. (Doctoral Dissertation) George Washington University, Washington, DC
Page 9 Swain, R. L. & Tompkins, M. (1985) A Case Study of the U.S. Department of Institutional Aid Staff. George Washington University, Washington, DC SELECTED PUBLICATIONS, PAPERS PRESENTED Swain, R. L. (Compiler) (2010). Engaged Diversity: Collaborations in Curriculum, Research and Pedagogy on Issues of Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Class. Georgetown, TX: Southwestern University Co-Presenter, Engaged Diversity: Institutional Transformation through Student Leader. 2010. AAC&U Network for Academic Renewal Conference, Houston, TX Contributor, Community of Differences. 2001. Justice for All. Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX Co-author, First Course on Fund Raising. 1996. National Society of Fund-Raising Executives, Alexandria, VA Article, "Fund-raising in the '90s: A Challenge." 1992. Triangle Business Weekly, Raleigh, NC Panelist, "Major Gift Programs." 1992, National Society of Fund Raising Executives Regional Conference, Greensboro, NC Paper, "Fund Raising Strategies for Endowment Building." 1991, U.S. Department of Education, Title III National Workshop, Washington, DC Panelist, "Use of Video Technology for Marketing Colleges and Universities." 1990, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Annual Conference, Washington, DC Panelist, "Title III: Exemplary Activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities." 1990, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Annual Conference, Washington, DC Paper, "Strategic Planning for Historically Black Colleges and Universities." 1989, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Annual Conference, Washington, DC Paper, "Findings from the Case Study on the U.S. Department of Education's Institutional Aid Staff." April, 1987, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Annual Conference, Washington, DC Co-author, A Case Study of the U.S. Department of Education's Institutional Aid Staff, The George Washington University, 1986, Washington, DC Paper, "The Role of Private Black Higher Education: Historical Origins and Contemporary Significance." May, 1985, Inter-institutional Research Group Session, Institute of Desegregation, Wrightsville Beach, NC MAJOR INSTITUTIONAL GRANTS AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION Health Services Research Administration, Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, 2008 ($461,340) U.S. Department of Education, Hispanic Studies Center, 2007 ($263,000) The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Technology Training for Dillard University post Katrina, 2005-2007 ($160,000) The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Engaged Diversity Projects, 2004 Present ($375,000)
Page 10 The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, President s Discretionary Grant for Diversity Initiatives at Southwestern University, 2001 2002 ($50,000) Teagle Foundation Grant for Institutional Advancement at Wiley College, 2000 ($100,000) Houston Endowment Grant for Wiley College Chapel Construction, 2000 ($250,000) The Texas Methodist Foundation Grant for Wiley College Chapel Construction, 2000 ($250,000) Lilly Endowment Grant for Student Retention at Wiley College, 1999 ($150,000) Executive Council, Technology Transfer Project Planning Grant at Wiley College, 1999 ($25,000) UNCF Lilly Endowment Grant for Acquisition and Capital Improvements, Technology Infrastructure at Wiley College, 1998 2000 ($950,000) Bush Foundation Grant for the Renovation of Roberts Science Hall at Shaw University 1992 ($350,000) Lilly Endowment, Inc., "Enhancing Institutional Research at Shaw University," 1988 1991 ($150,000) U.S. Department of Education, Institutional Aid Program (Title III), "Strengthening Academic Resources at Shaw University," 1987 1994 ($5,885,985) Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, "Strengthening the Development Office at Shaw University," 1987 1988 ($50,000) Bell South Foundation, "Faculty Development in Science and Technology," 1987-1990 ($150,000) North Carolina Humanities Committee, "One Hundred and Twenty Years: Historical Reflections on Shaw University," 1984 ($15,000) U.S. Department of Education, Title III, Activity, "Total Involvement Program at Shaw (TIPS)," 1982 1985 ($75,000) U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Title III Activity, "Comprehensive Counseling Program at Shaw University," 1975 1978 ($250,000) RESEARCH INTERESTS Educational leadership Diversity in higher education Philanthropy and higher education Strategic planning and marketing for non-profit organizations Organizational Excellence TEACHING INTERESTS Educational leadership
Page 11 Philanthropy and higher education Strategic planning and marketing for non-profit organizations CIVIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE The Williamson County Institute for Excellence in Nonprofits, 2010 Present; Design Team, 2010 2011; Board of Directors, 2012 Texas Life-Sciences Collaboration Center, Board of Directors, 2007 Present; Vice Chair, 2009; Chair, 2010 The Georgetown Project, Board of Directors, 2008 Present; Chair of Strategic Planning Committee 2009; Vice Chair of Board, 2010; Chair of Financial Development Committee, 2010; Chair, 2011 The Leola W. and Charles H. Hugg Trust, Board of Trustees, 2007 - Present Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County-Texas, Board of Directors, 2007 2010; Chair, 2007-2008; Executive Committee, 2007 Present; Organizational Excellence Committee, 2007-2010 Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors 2006-2009; Vice Chair for Economic Development, 2006-2007; Chair, 2008 Methodist Mission Home, Board of Directors, 2006 Present; Development Committee, 2006-2009; Executive Committee, 2009 - Present Georgetown Rotary Club, Board of Directors, Vice President, 2003-2004; President, 2004-2005; Chair of Rotary Foundation Project, 2005-2006 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission, 2001 2006; Chair of Outreach and Education, 2002-2003; Chair, 2003 Habitat for Humanity of Greater Georgetown, Board of Directors, 2002 2007; Fund Raising Committee, 2004-2005; Chair, 2006 2007 First United Methodist Church, Georgetown, TX, 2001 Present; Stewardship Committee, 2004; Holy Conversations (Strategic Planning Committee), 2005 2006; Administrative Council, 2009 2012, Vice Chair, 2011; Council, Chair, 2012 Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, 1998 2000; Vice President for Member Services, 2000 Marshall Economic Development Corporation, Inc. (MEDCO), Board of Directors; Marketing Committee Chair, 1998 2000 Marshall Rotary Club, Board of Directors, Membership Chair, 1998 Harrison County Historical Museum, Board of Directors, 1997 2000; Vice Chairman, 2000 Harrison County United Way, Board of Directors, 1997 2000 Durham Public Education Network, Board of Directors, 1994 The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Buy Local Steering Committee, 1992-1994 Raleigh s Garner Road Family YMCA, Board of Directors, 1992-1994
Page 12 Southeast Raleigh Community Development Corporation, Board of Directors, 1990-1994 Eastside Neighborhood Task Force, City of Raleigh, 1988-1994 Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer for Triangle Chapter of Links construction project, 1992 Life Enrichment Center, Board of Directors, 1983-1985; 1988-1992; Chairman, 1991-1992 FAMILY Wife - Chrystle A. Bullock Swain Adult Son - Ronald, Jr.