For many years, it has been a tradition at Warner University for students to vote for the Professor of the Year award. The vote happens every spring, and the winner is announced at commencement. Students are asked to choose which faculty member demonstrates excellence in scholarship, connection to students and service. In 2023, a new tradition began with the introduction of the Faculty Colleague of the Year award. This award is similar to the Professor of the Year award, but with one key difference: Faculty members vote for which faculty member they believe demonstrates excellence in the three areas listed above. This year, Dr. Matt Swale was the recipient of both awards.
Dr. Swale is an Assistant Professor of Bible and Ministry as well as the Honors Program Coordinator at Warner. He began teaching at Warner at the start of the 2022-2023 academic school year. This year, he taught multiple sections of the general education courses Christian Life: Faith and Practice and Understanding the Old Testament. Additionally, he taught two online and one in-person Bible electives for our Bible, Theology and Ministry majors.
Dr. Swale says that his strategy for developing students spiritually in and out of the classroom is nothing new, but it is effective: Teach the Bible, and pray for students. He had this to say: “I want to make sure that I publicly pray for every student by name in my classes each semester, and I want to make sure that they feel invited to delight with me in the Word of God.”
Though his fellow faculty members have recognized him with this award, Dr. Swale wished to recognize some in return. He first acknowledged his wife, Dr. Jackie Swale, who recently joined Warner’s faculty and has brought “a new level of encouragement, fun, and shared vocation to teaching at Warner” for Dr. Swale.
Dr. Swale had a lot of other colleagues to thank, and his words are worth quoting in full: “There are not sufficient words to articulate how I have benefitted from the leadership, guidance, support and friendship of Shawn Craigmiles. Daniel Julich manages to be equal parts dear friend and valued sage. I ask him questions often and try to emulate what I see him doing in his work with students. April Steen helps on the tough days with her sense of humor but also keeps me focused on student wellbeing. Ken Hensley models how to pastor students no matter the course subject matter. Mark Schnell is the best kind of co-laborer: fun, humble and a champion for students. Carlene Harwood keeps Moodle and textbooks flowing, and none of us could do what we do without her work. Trevor Hall is the ultimate hype-man, and always raises the passion-level when you run into him or sit through a meeting with him. I have found a co-belligerent in the war against academic dishonesty in the humble, thoughtful work of Trelane Schlenker. I am always looking at how Lori Hutto does her work to learn how to be a better educator.
Dr. Swale concluded his remarks by saying, “It was very kind of students and colleagues to vote for me. It encouraged me, and I’m thankful.” Warner University thanks Dr. Swale for his hard work and dedication to our mission of reaching and developing students for Christ.
