(La Porte County, IN) - Jonathan Swarts, a longtime faculty member and administrator at Purdue University Northwest, is dean and interim director of the PNW Westville campus.

 

In this new role, PNW officials said Swarts is providing dedicated academic and administrative leadership for the Westville campus, a vital educational and community resource for the La Porte and Porter County areas.

 

Swarts is also working with faculty and staff, as well as community members, to foster a unified vision to advance high-impact growth practices and enhance student success.

 

He oversees the academic operations of the Westville campus and provides leadership in advancing teaching and learning, community engagement, student support services, enrollment initiatives and strategic partnerships.

 

“I am excited to continue serving Purdue University Northwest and Northwest Indiana through this appointment,” Swarts said.

 

“The PNW Westville campus is near and dear to me as the place where I began teaching students and growing roots with our neighboring communities. We are focused on understanding what our students prioritize and value in their college experience, and we are committed to supporting them in successfully preparing for future workforce needs.”

 

Swarts began his career as a faculty member in political science at the PNW Westville campus in 2001, achieving the rank of Professor in 2016.

 

His administrative experience includes appointments as chair of the PNW department of Political Science, Economics and World Languages and Cultures, and as an associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.

 

Most recently, he served as dean of PNW’s Honors College and University College. Under his leadership, the PNW Honors College’s enrollment grew to nearly 700.

 

“Dr. Swarts is bringing renewed energy to the Westville campus and advancing PNW’s mission to transform the lives of local students and the greater La Porte and Porter County communities,” PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford said.