Shepherd's Center of St. Andrews appoints new executive director

Rebecca Swanson

The Board of Directors of the Shepherd's Center of St. Andrews announced that Rebecca Swanson has accepted the position of executive director. An interfaith program of enrichment through classes, social and service activities for persons 50 and above, the Shepherd's Center is housed at Ashland United Methodist Church and is sponsored by a number of area churches. The executive director assists the volunteer board to plan all programs and develop good relationships among the members and with sponsoring churches.

Dr. Swanson earned her doctorate from USC in elementary education with emphases in reading and psychology, and she has enjoyed a distinguished career in teaching. She taught in public schools in S. C. and Okinawa, Japan, before joining the faculty at Columbia College, where she had earlier earned a BA in piano and elementary education. She rose through the academic ranks to become professor and chair of the Department of Education at Columbia College.

In her retirement. Dr. Swanson has been able to give even more time to her many community interests: from active membership in the Columbia Shepherd's Center, to the Shandon Presbyterian Church, to the Columbia College Alumnae Association, to the Philanthropic Educational Organization. She has particular concerns for abused or neglected animals and currently serves as a volunteer at the Riverbanks Zoo and as a Guardian Ad Litem, an advocate in the court system for abused or neglected children. For many years, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Columbia Literacy Council.

Harold Reid, acting president of the Board of Directors, said, "We are delighted to have someone of Dr. Swanson's caliber take this position. She has exactly the right experience and the right people skills to be an outstanding director." Johnadee White, incoming president, added, "We're just grateful she said yes to our offer. We're going to have a great new year."

For information about the Shepherd's Center of St. Andrews, call 731-9394.