GSLIS alumna Ellen Swain (MS ’95) has been named a distinguished Fellow of the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Swain was recognized at Archives 2013, the joint annual meeting of the SAA and the Council of State Archivists, which was held in New Orleans on August 11-17. SAA members who have made exceptional contributions to the archives profession are selected as fellows, which is the association’s highest honor.
Swain has served as archivist for student life and culture at the University of Illinois’s Archives Research Center since 1999. She also holds the title of associate professor of library administration. Prior to her current position, Swain worked as an archivist at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Archives. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from GSLIS; a master’s degree in American history from Indiana University, Bloomington; and a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology from Earlham College.
In addition to her SAA membership, Swain is a past president of the Midwest Archives Conference (MAC) (2011-2013) and co-chairs its Education Committee. She has been recognized previously for her work as an archivist with a National Historical Publications and Records Commission Archival Fellowship (2003-2004) and the Thornbrough Award for best article to appear in the Indiana Magazine of History in 2001. At Illinois, Swain holds an endowed professorship.
To read more about Swain, visit the Recognizing Excellence at the University of Illinois Library website.