Office of the President (Schwada) Records

John William Schwada was born on September 23, 1919 in Tyrone, Oklahoma. He graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College at Kirksville in 1941. He went on to earn his masters degree from the University of Missouri in 1947 and his Doctorate in Political Science at the University of Texas in 1951.

Schwada returned to the University of Missouri as an Instructor of Political Science in 1951. He was promoted to full Professor in 1960, was elevated to Dean of Faculties in 1961, and served as Acting Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration from 1961 to 1962. In addition to his work at the University, Schwada served as comptroller and budget director for the State of Missouri from 1958 to 1961. He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Missouri in 1964 and served in that capacity until accepting the Presidency of Arizona State University in 1971.

Schwada's term as President was marked by massive growth in both physical facilities and campus population. Student enrollment increased from 26,500 to almost 40,000 and twenty-five new buildings were completed during his term. Schwada is remembered for maintaining productive and cordial relationships with the Arizona Board of Regents and the State Legislature, demonstrated by the fact that the University's funding increased from $28 million to $93.6 million during his tenure.

John W. Schwada retired in 1981. He settled in Phoenix, where he died on April 19, 1990.