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Rep. Rick Crawford

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jerol Swaim, president of Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

After 48 years of service to Williams Baptist, Dr. Swaim has announced his retirement. Although he will no longer be on the campus every day, his influence will certainly be felt there for years to come.

Dr. Swaim started his career at Williams Baptist as a professor of history, government and economics. In 1973, he became academic dean of the college and has also held the titles of vice president for academic affairs and executive vice president. In 1995, he agreed to become the fifth president of Williams Baptist, a role he has filled since that time.

Dr. Swaim is stepping down after presiding over a transformation of the Williams campus. Since the late 1990s, nearly every building on the campus has either been newly constructed or extensively renovated.

Under Dr. Swaim, Williams Baptist has expanded its academic offerings as well as its academic reputation. It broke into the top tier of U.S. News & World Report college rankings in 2010 and climbed in the rankings again this year.

Madam Speaker, today we honor Dr. Jerol Swaim for his 48 years of service to Williams Baptist College and the countless lives he has changed.