About Professor Swanson
Associate Professor Dewey Swanson brings over fifteen years of real-world industry expertise to his role in the School of Applied and Creative Computing (SACC), where he bridges the gap between academic excellence and practical technology solutions. With a distinguished background spanning government systems and defense applications, Professor Swanson has emerged as a transformative educator and innovative program developer across Purdue's statewide network. Professor Swanson was recently feature in Oracle Academy spotlight: Member Spotlight: Dewey Swanson
Academic Leadership & Innovation
Professor Swanson serves as a cornerstone faculty member for Purdue Polytechnic's groundbreaking statewide initiative, delivering cutting-edge computer technology education across multiple campuses including Columbus, Kokomo, Anderson, and West Lafayette. His leadership in Purdue Statewide Technology (PST) exemplifies the university's commitment to meeting Indiana's critical need for skilled technologists while providing students with flexible pathways to degree completion alongside professional employment.
Graduate Program Excellence
As Director of the Applied Data Analytics Graduate Certificate (ADAT) program and a key architect of the MS concentration in Data Analysis, Professor Swanson has positioned Purdue at the forefront of data science education. His instrumental role in developing this new degree concentration demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to emerging technology fields and commitment to preparing graduates for tomorrow's data-driven economy.
Industry Partnerships & Impact
Professor Swanson's collaborative approach has yielded remarkable results in industry partnerships:
Cummins Inc. Collaboration: As Academic Project Manager, he spearheaded an ambitious cooperative venture that delivered a 13-week intensive, boot camp-style continuing education program to Cummins Engine Company. This transformative initiative:
- Trained 10% of Cummins' worldwide IT workforce
- Resulted in Cummins' generous donation of a state-of-the-art computer laboratory to the Columbus campus
- Established a new model for corporate-academic partnerships in technical education
Business/Systems Analyst Program: Professor Swanson co-developed this innovative program alongside Columbus faculty and Cummins management to address the evolving landscape of global IT operations, specifically preparing professionals to excel in environments utilizing offshore development partnerships.
Community Engagement & Diversity Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of early STEM engagement, Professor Swanson created and implemented the Columbus Computer Animation Camp, a strategic middle school outreach program designed to:
- Spark interest in technology careers among young students
- Address gender diversity in technology fields (achieving nearly 40% female participation)
- Provide hands-on exposure to cutting-edge computer animation and technology concepts
Professional Experience
Professor Swanson's robust industry background includes senior-level positions as:
- System Analyst - Developing comprehensive technology solutions for complex organizational needs
- Project Leader - Managing cross-functional teams and delivering mission-critical systems
- Computer Scientist - Advancing computational approaches for government and defense applications
- Database Administrator - Architecting and maintaining enterprise-level data systems
His experience spans both Indiana state government operations and the prestigious Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in Indianapolis, providing him with unique insights into both public sector technology needs and defense industry standards.
Educational Innovation
Professor Swanson leads curriculum modernization efforts across the statewide system, pioneering:
- Online Learning Transformation: Converting traditional courses to engaging digital formats
- Hybrid Learning Models: Developing flexible delivery methods that serve diverse student populations
- Flipped Classroom Techniques: Implementing student-centered pedagogical approaches tailored to community needs
His specialization encompasses program development, systems analysis, and database technologies, with particular expertise in database design and systems architecture that reflects current industry best practices.
Vision & Impact
Through his multifaceted role as educator, industry partner, and program innovator, Professor Swanson continues to shape the next generation of technology professionals while strengthening the vital connections between academia, industry, and community needs across Indiana's technology landscape.