Oakland University appoints dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Amy Thompson, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Oakland University, has announced that Bradley J. Swanson, Ph.D., has been appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective August 1, 2026, pending Board of Trustees approval.

Swanson’s faculty appointment will be as professor in the biology department with tenure.

Swanson joins OU from Central Michigan University, where he currently serves as
interim vice president for research and innovation and professor of biology. During his 25-year career at CMU, he has established a distinguished record as a scholar, teacher, researcher and academic leader, with a strong commitment to student success, faculty excellence, shared governance, and the value of a liberal arts and sciences education.

In his current role, Swanson oversees a five-unit division and helped lead CMU to a record-setting year of $38 million in competitively awarded grants.

He’s also served in numerous academic leadership roles, including as chair of the academic senate, director of graduate studies, director of the neuroscience program and director of the environmental studies program.

A respected scholar in conservation genetics, wildlife forensics and population ecology, Dr. Swanson has authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications and presented his work at more than 100 national and international conferences.

He’s widely recognized for his commitment to supporting faculty and students across disciplines, including efforts to expand research opportunities, strengthen general education and support both STEM and non-STEM fields.

Swanson earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan, his Master of Science in Zoology from the University of Idaho, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Biology from Purdue University.

“Throughout the search process, faculty, staff and university leaders emphasized the importance of identifying a dean who could champion the liberal arts and sciences, strengthen research and creative activity, support student success and lead with transparency and integrity,” commented Provost Thompson. “Dr. Swanson’s experience, accomplishments and leadership philosophy align strongly with those aspirations, and I’m confident he’ll be an outstanding leader for the College of Arts and Sciences.”

To ensure continuity of leadership during this transition, Joseph Shively, Ed.D., senior associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will serve as acting dean from July 2 through July 31, 2026.