Swetnam Takes on New Associate Dean Role at UK College of Design

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2017) — Having served as a professor in the School of Architecture for 30 years as well as the Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Endowed Professor for the past 16 years, Professor Bruce Swetnam is entering a new association with the University of Kentucky College of Design as the associate dean for students.

Swetnam has done extensive work on sustainable projects in developing countries, most recently taking his studio to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to design and redevelop the Chez Moi Grace Orphanage for Girls. In 2005, Professor Swetnam was recognized with one of the most prestigious honors at UK, the Great Teacher Award. Additionally, as faculty in UK’s Comprehensive Studio and its co-requisite Building Systems Integration, Swetnam was a recipient of the 2004 NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Award, which recognized his integrated teaching and innovative curriculum development.

The College of Design completed its new strategic plan, Vision2021, in 2016, which involves restructuring the administration and support offices. The college is doing this to not only add depth to its existing programs but to prepare for new initiatives.

“The college has had a laudable history of retention and graduation, and this new position is intended to enhance that practice and the bridge between our studio culture and recruitment and admissions,” Dean Mitzi Vernon said. “Bruce is intrinsic to the student experience as a hands-on, collaborative maker with architecture students. He doesn’t ask the students to do anything that he doesn’t do with them. He is a model of work ethic and tenacity for students, so I am delighted and enthusiastic that Bruce has agreed to take on and define this new position.”

As with the other new leadership positions, Swetnam’s role is intended to be creative. The college is dedicating this administrative position to be visionary, participating in curriculum thinking, new program design and creative advocacy for the student experience.

In his new role, Swetnam hopes to be a true advocate for students, enhancing their overall experience at the College of Design. “I view this new position as an opportunity to expand our recruiting efforts to create a more diverse domestic and international student body,” he said. “I am also looking forward to working with faculty and staff to ensure that students have a robust and well-rounded educational experience. I want to thank Dean Vernon for the opportunity to serve the College of Design in a new and significant way.”