Mizzou Law Dean Lyrissa Lidsky announces JR Swanegan as the new Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid.

Swanegan comes to Mizzou Law after six years as Associate Dean of International and Graduate Programs at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla.

During that time, he built partnerships with international law schools, recruited students from around the world, taught a US Legal Systems course, oversaw study abroad programs in Oxford, Cape Town, Ireland, and Cuba and designed and implemented marketing strategies for international programs. He also helped welcome alumni to Stetson for the 20th anniversary of the LLM in International Law program and helped with the initiation of Stetson’s three new Master of Jurisprudence programs.

Before Swanegan joined Stetson, he was Director of Study Abroad, International and Diversity Outreach at the University of Missouri College of Engineering, where he had extensive experience in recruiting students. He previously was Coordinator of Student Diversity Programs at MU Law, where he established a diversity mentoring program, helped create pipeline programs for diverse students, provided career counseling, guidance and academic support to students and taught legal reasoning. He also clerked for the Honorable Charles Atwell in Kansas City, Mo.

Swanegan received both his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Missouri, and he is a member of the Missouri Bar.

Lidsky said she was delighted to welcome Swanegan back to Mizzou Law.

“JR possesses all of the attributes we were looking for in this key position,” she said. “JR is a dynamic leader and he shares our commitment to nurturing a student-centered law school that attracts a diverse and talented group of future lawyers.”

Swanegan will inherit an admissions program that is embracing new opportunities and reaching students in Missouri and across the country.

In his new role, Swanegan said he knows the importance of outreach and support.

“I have a strong desire to assist potential students in recognizing and seizing the opportunities Mizzou Law provides for their future careers and future selves,” he said. “I am eager and ready to begin the work to attract some of the top students in the country to my alma mater knowing first-hand the outstanding education they will receive. I want each student to benefit from the outstanding faculty, community atmosphere and friendships that last a lifetime.”