SPOTLIGHT
Residential Program Alumni

Professor Erik Swanson is an accomplished educator, artist, and academic leader who has made significant contributions to Montgomery College since joining in 2008. Currently serving as the Director of the Institute for Part-Time Faculty Engagement and Support, Professor Swanson has been instrumental in revitalizing faculty development initiatives, such as re-establishing the on-campus Antonio Thomas Part-Time Faculty Conference and strengthening relationships between the Institute and campus leadership. He has played a key role in supporting over 1,000 part-time faculty across 3 campuses, developing professional development programs, managing the Institute’s budget and staff, and fostering leadership among part-time faculty through mentorship and strategic appointments.
 

Prior to his directorship, Professor Swanson served as chair of the Department of Media Arts & Technologies, where he also coordinated the digital animation program and taught animation. His leadership extended to serving as chair of chairs for the Rockville campus, participating in the Academic Services Council, and co-convening the Montgomery County Collaboration Board’s Arts, Media, and Communications Programs Advisory Committee. Throughout his tenure, he has been recognized for his service and teaching excellence, receiving the Part-Time Faculty Exceptional Achievement and Service Award (2012), Outstanding Faculty Excellence in Service to the College and Community (2021), and the NISOD Award of Excellence (2023).
 

Professor Swanson’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and a Master of Fine Arts in 3D Modeling and Animation from the Art Academy University in San Francisco. He has taught at institutions such as the Corcoran College of Art and Design at George Washington University, the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer and Sackler Gallery, and the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, instructing courses in animation, drawing, and painting.

Beyond academia, Professor Swanson is an active freelance storyboard artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. His professional portfolio includes work for major clients like Wendy’s, the 76ers, Chick-fil-A, and Six Flags, as well as contributions to comic book properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and GI Joe. He has participated in group exhibitions and served on advisory boards, maintaining a strong presence with the community.

Professor Swanson’s career is marked by a commitment to educational innovation, faculty development, and artistic excellence, making him a valued leader at Montgomery College and in the broader arts and education sectors.