Dr. Swenty earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Missouri S&T and then worked in the Bridge Division at the Missouri Department of Transportation. He returned to school to obtain his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech followed by bridge research work at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. Currently, he is a professor of Civil Engineering at the Virginia Military Institute, holds the Jackson-Hope Chair in Engineering, and is a registered professional engineering (PE). He teaches engineering mechanics, structural engineering, capstone, and introduction to engineering labs and courses.

Working with students is one of the most rewarding parts of his job at VMI. He helps with the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) student chapter and is a co-advisor to the local Omicron Delta Kappa Circle (Leadership Honor Society.) He is active with the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) and has served as a facilitator and coach for the Engineering Unleashed Faculty Development Program (KEEN). He continues research and professional work on bridge engineering, prestressed concrete, and reinforced concrete topics. Other research projects include civil engineering curriculum development, engineering policy, and novel teaching applications in civil engineering education. Dr. Swenty enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley, trail running, mountain biking, and working with the youth at his local church.