Faculty Spotlight: Professor Ryan Swanson – Inspiring Curiosity and Humor in the Classroom
March 11, 2025 - Anna Abeyta
Professor Ryan Swanson, a passionate educator in the UNM Honors College, brings a unique blend of academic expertise, personal experience, and an undeniable love for sports to his students. As the child of two educators—his mother a 5th-grade teacher and his father a professor of special education—Swanson was naturally inclined toward the world of education. His own academic journey led him to earn a PhD in history, and throughout his career, he has always maintained a deep interest in sports, particularly sports history, the business of sports, and the evolving nature of athletic performance.
In 2013, Professor Swanson was presented with the opportunity to lead a new collaboration between the Honors College and the Athletics Department at UNM, which became known as the Lobo Scholars Program. Over the course of more than a decade, he enjoyed guiding students and exploring new ways to foster their curiosity about the world of sports, education, and beyond. Today, he continues his work within the Honors College, shaping the minds of bright, driven students.
When asked what motivates him to work with Honors students, Swanson reflected on the unique characteristics of his students—curiosity, ambition, and a healthy inclination to challenge ideas. He thrives in an environment where students' curiosity energizes the classroom. “Honors students are the best,” he says. “They are curious, ambitious, and argumentative – in a good way! I enjoy learning from students and trying out some of research questions or book ideas that I’m working on in the Honors classroom.”
One standout moment in his teaching career occurred early in his time at UNM, when he worked with a political science student on a project that combined baseball and the U.S. Congress. The student became so involved in the subject that he turned the paper into a journal article and a conference presentation. “I was glad to be along for the ride,” Professor Swanson says of the experience.
Professor Swanson’s impact extends far beyond academic achievement. His ability to engage with students, create a supportive learning environment, and infuse humor into his lessons is truly special. One of his students, Daniyal Hussain, shared how Swanson made his class, “Seminar on Failure,” an unforgettable experience. Daniyal appreciated the way Professor Swanson made class relatable and kept students engaged, even in the early hours of the morning. He noted that Swanson’s humor was a highlight—finding the balance between making class enjoyable without overshadowing the serious topics at hand.
“Professor Swanson is an amazing teacher that makes learning a fun activity in a safe environment,” Honors student Daniyal Hussain reflected. “He is understanding, communicative, empathetic, funny, and passionate.”
Through his work in the Honors College, Professor Swanson is shaping the next generation of thinkers, athletes, and leaders—encouraging them to explore new perspectives, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and above all, to continue questioning and engaging with the world around them. His passion for teaching and his genuine care for his students make him an invaluable member of the UNM community.
