Dr. Robyn K. Swanson has spent 43 years in public education as a music teacher in both P-12 and higher education environments. She has been teaching at Western Kentucky University since 1988 and is currently a Professor of Music and the Coordinator of Music Education.

The WKU Board of Regents in July appointed Dr. Swanson and Dr. Farley Norman as University Distinguished Professors. The appointments are for five years and each will receive a $5,000 award package for each year of the term.

“I have always been passionate about teaching, advocating for the profession and researching current trends and issues which impact curriculum-instruction-assessment for all students,” Dr. Swanson said. “So to receive recognition for what I love to do is incredibly rewarding.”

Dr. Swanson received a B.A. in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Simpson College, an M.A. in Music, Vocal Performance and Music Education from Mankato State University and a Doctor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

She has received many awards at WKU, especially those in the public service field. She works closely with students with disabilities with Very Special Arts Kentucky and the Kelly Autism Program.

Dr. Swanson received the Potter College Faculty Award for Public Service in 2001, the KMEA Distinguished Leadership/Service Award in 2005, the Potter College Award for Teaching in 2006, the WKU Teaching Scholar in 2007 and the KMEA College/University Teacher of the Year in 2008.

Not only is Dr. Swanson a dedicated teacher, but also an excellent supporter of ideas to improve WKU’s Music Education policy. She’s been a member of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Education Standards Board.

Dr. Swanson’s influence has become international through her presentations on Creative Arts Curriculum to the International Society of Music Educators and to the International Very Special Arts Festival.

The UDP Committee, Provost Gordon Emslie, President Gary Ransdell and Music Department Head Mitzi Groom recommended Dr. Swanson.

The UDP program recognizes faculty who have served the university with an outstanding record in teaching, research and service. To be eligible, an appointee must have held the rank of professor for at least five years and completed at least 10 years of service to WKU.