Sterling College’s Daniel Swartz has been named one of the 2016 Kansas Independent College Association Faculty of Distinction. Faculty honored with this award are known for their commitment to the students through not only their teaching, but also their personal attention and the stressed importance of values and character. One faculty member was recognized from each of the 19 independent colleges within Kansas on Oct. 13.

“Daniel constantly seeks to improve the courses that he teaches and has the unique ability to push his students to new heights of nuanced recognition. Through his leadership as chair of the Department of Art and Design, course enrollment and the number of art majors has increased dramatically, paired with outstanding presentations by his students to the community of Sterling, the College itself, and its Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.

In May, Swartz was awarded the William M. McCreery Teaching Award for his creative and innovative classroom teaching. He has been described by students as “very engaging,” and “a fantastic professor.” Swartz is known for bringing professionals into the classroom to speak with his students and expose them to current events within the field.

Swartz has been teaching at the College since 2011. He holds an M.F.A. in Illustration from the University of Hartford, an M.A. in Visual Arts Studio with an emphasis in oil painting from Ball State University, and a B.S. in Illustration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.