HARRISONBURG, Va. (JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY) — Following a national search, James Madison University has named Nick Swartz as the new dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Education, effective June 1.  

Swartz served as the department’s interim dean for the past two years. In his new role, he will oversee the school, which encompasses the Adult Degree Program, Lifelong Learning Institute, Youth Programs and Professional Development.  

Swartz joined JMU in 2008 as an assistant professor of public policy and administration in the political science department. His contributions to the university, including serving as the director of the master’s in public administration program and associate vice provost of research and scholarship.

He also founded the Madison Center for Community Development and served as its director until 2022.  

Swartz became an associate dean at SPCE in 2017 when it was known as Outreach & Engagement. Since then, he has played a key role in many local, regional, state and national initiatives and projects and led a university-wide working group that helped establish the new Office of Youth Safety.  

“This appointment recognizes Nick’s significant contributions to JMU’s professional and continuing education initiatives as well as the strength of the existing leadership team in SPCE,” JMU Provost Heather Coltman said in a news release. “His experience and knowledge will add significant value as SPCE continues to expand opportunities for individuals and the community through education, programming and experiences for all ages.”  

In the release, Swartz expressed his gratitude and excitement for the new role, saying that his time as interim dean over the past two years allowed him to witness firsthand the incredible impact their programs have on the community.

“SPCE plays a vital role in providing accessible education and professional development opportunities, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in our region,” Schwartz said. “I look forward to continuing our work to expand these opportunities and support lifelong learning for all.”  

Swartz holds a doctorate in public policy with a concentration in urban and regional economic development from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; he also earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.