Congratulations to Honors Advisor David Swearingen for becoming a 2026 recipient of the Outstanding New Advisor Award!

David started as an academic advisor in the ASC Honors Program in September 2023 and dove headfirst into his role with remarkable comfort and ease. According to coworkers, David manages a hefty advising load of over 400 honors students in the biological sciences and pre-health programs, while maintaining strong attention to detail and a supportive environment for his students and colleagues. He has been described as “genuine, collaborative, empathetic, and such a creative problem solver…” One colleague noted that he supports both pre-health students by offering specialized workshops and student athletes in his office with the knowledge and understanding that only a former student athlete could provide. She stated, “Our students appreciate knowing that someone has been in their shoes, trying to balance rigorous academics with demanding athletics schedules.” Several students remarked that they specifically appreciate David for his endlessly positive attitude and for making each and every one of his students feel seen and cared for. “He really cares about every person who walks into his office. He makes sure that we are doing well as people, not just students. I noticed very quickly that David is good at recalling details about people. He must see 100 students a week but every time I see him, he asks how my recent test was or how club gymnastics is going. This makes the university feel less like an organization and more like the faculty is here to listen and help.”