Earl Swanson

EARL SWANSON – Dr. Earl H. Swanson, Jr., a professor of anthropology and director of the museum at Idaho State University, died March 30, 1975 at the age of 47.

In the eighteen years between 1957, when Earl Swanson received his appointment at Idaho State College, and his death in 1975, he developed the Idaho State University Museum into a leading research institution in the Northwest. He established Tebiwa, the museum journal; the Occasional Papers of the Idaho State University Museum, a monographic series, and developed the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree programs in anthropology. During this period Swanson continued his own research and writing, publishing nearly 70 titles. He also took time to further his own training by studying and teaching at the Institute of Archaeology, London, England.

Against this background of research and administrative activity, Swanson was a dedicated teacher. He taught with enthusiasm and vitality, instilling the values of academic excellence into many of his students. He was always available to give encouragement and guidance to those who sought his counsel.

It is through this memorial scholarship that Earl Swanson’s family and friends wish to honor his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and, in some small measure, assist a deserving student in achieving his or her academic goals while at Idaho State University.