Since coming to IU Southeast in 1990, Dr. Sweigart has distinguished himself as a popular teacher, scholar, and long-time administrator for the campus writing program. As past coordinator of the English B.A. program, he helped move the writing concentration through a number of major curriculum changes. He is especially pleased that increasing numbers of students have participated in undergraduate research conferences and gone on to graduate school, and that many of these students have won Metroversity Awards for their writing. Although Dr. Sweigart teaches a variety of upper-level courses and the senior seminar in writing, he also regularly offers classes in developmental English and composition, no doubt stemming from his strong conviction that retention of students at IUS is directly related to the solid entry-level writing courses. In the past he has published articles on college composition and assessment. His current research explores the mentoring relationships and services available to GLBT students as undergraduates. In addition to his various administrative roles, Sweigart has also served as a faculty advisor to IU Southeast’s Gay Straight Alliance for over twenty years.
