Donors

Linda S. Swisher Endowed Scholarship

Linda Sue Swisher had a passion for lifelong learning and had a significant impact on her students and others she inspired.She graduated from the University with highest honors in secondary education in English and history; and taught English as a second language for 15 years at the University.Linda was active as the president of the TTU Women's Faculty Club and president of the Cookeville Tree Board. She enjoyed taking care of her family and grandchildren, teaching her students, and working in her flower gardens. Her husband and life companion of 54 years, George M. Swisher, taught mechanical and electrical engineering courses at the University for many years and eventually retired as Tech's Dean of the College of Engineering. Their daughter, Stacey Swisher Harnetty, graduated with her mechanical engineering bachelor's degree from the University and completed her ME master's degree at Virginia Tech. This scholarship is in honor of Linda's unselfish dedication to her students, her commitment to advancing education, and her relentless encouragement to share cultures, experiences, and language.

Swisher Family Endowed Engineering Scholarship

Dr. George M. Swisher joined the Tennessee Technological University Mechanical Engineering (ME) faculty in 1973 as Associate Professor in the systems engineering teaching and research areas. He was promoted to Professor of ME and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering in 1979. After serving nine years as Associate Dean, in February of 1989, he was appointed Dean of the College of Engineering. Dr. Swisher served as President of the Engineering Development Foundation from 1991 to 1999. During his term as President, the foundation doubled the number of scholarships awarded. George Swisher has been the recipient of several awards and honors. He is listed in the Who's Who in Computer Education and Research and the American Men and Women of Science. He has received the Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Award and the Pi Tau Sigma Outstanding ME Faculty Award. Dr. Swisher is a member of numerous societies; the American Society of University Professors, the American Society of Engineering Education, and Tau Beta Pi. He participated in many public service organizations such as the Cookeville Breakfast Rotary and the Tennessee Board of Engineers and Architects. Daughter, Stacey E. Swisher Harnetty, completed her BS in mechanical engineering at TTU in 1989 and her MSME at Virginia Tech in 1991. During her senior year, Stacey served as Vice President of the student section of the ASME and also as President of the Engineering Joint Council. Dr. Swisher is now Dean of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.