Dr. Christina Swaidan, interim dean of Undergraduate Studies. (Photo courtesy WSU)
WESTFIELD— Westfield State University Interim Dean of Undergraduate Studies Dr. Christina Swaidan of Windsor, Conn. has been selected as a recipient of 2017 INSIGHT Into Diversity “Giving Back Award” by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Recipients of the “Giving Back Award” were nominated by colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine based on their outstanding demonstration of social responsibility, involvement with students, faculty, staff, and the community, and commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
“Dean Swaidan is a trusted champion of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus,” said Westfield State University President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha. “Her example and work at the university have created a lasting impact for our faculty, staff, and students.”
In her capacity as dean, Swaidan is responsible for providing vision, leadership, and support in advancing undergraduate education. She serves as chair of the Advisory Committee for Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Affirmative Action and was the founder the Sankofa Organization of Diverse Faculty and Staff, which is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion at Westfield State. In addition, she is a member of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Compact for Diversity, which promotes the economic and social benefits of diversity, and the Association of Black Graduates and Professionals.
Swaidan was nominated by Robert Thornton, an academic advisor in the Westfield State Urban Education program.
“Dr. Swaidan has brought various programming to campus on racial inequalities and ethnic identity and has created safe space to conduct campus-wide conversations about race, ethnicity, and cultural awareness,” Thornton said.
Swaidan holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford, a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Conn. and a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from Mount Holyoke College.
