The Provost’s Office is excited to extend a warm welcome to Michael Swanson, joining the Theatre and Dance department in Fall 2025!
What excites you most about joining Gustavus Adolphus College?
Teaching at a well respected liberal arts college from which both my father — David Swanson ’48 — and my sister — Kathy Swanson ’88 — graduated.
Briefly describe your professional interests.
Directing, theatre history, dramatic literature, contemporary theatre.
What aspects of teaching do you find most rewarding?
Learning with and from students as well as helping them learn. Experimentation in the rehearsal hall, Script interpretation through discussion.
What are you looking forward to exploring or engaging with in the Saint Peter community outside of your academic work?
My namesake, great-grandfather Michael Geldner, was a tailor here in the mid-1900s as a 1923 immigrant from Leipzig, and I’ve visited the city many times to visit his other descendants. I look forward to experiencing Saint Peter’s 21st century!