AFW Samuel H. Smith Leadership Award

For commitment to the University’s land-grant mission

Awarded annually by the WSU Association for Faculty Women, this award recognizes an individual “whose leadership has advanced the role of women in the Washington State University system and/or who has demonstrated leadership in higher education, the community, or her profession at the local, state, regional, national or international level.

Samantha Swindell

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, and Scholarly Professor (Career-Track), Department of Psychology

Dr. Samantha Swindell, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences, is the 2024-2025 Samuel H. Smith Leadership Award recipient. Awarded annually by the WSU Association for Faculty Women, this award recognizes an individual “whose leadership has advanced the role of women in the Washington State University system and/or who has demonstrated leadership in higher education, the community, or her profession at the local, state, regional, national or international level.”

Samantha Swindell is a notable example of servant leadership at Washington State University. For over 25 years, Swindell has shown unparalleled dedication to students, faculty, and the institution itself. Known for her deep commitment to student success, Swindell was a co-Principal Investigator of the Transformational Change Initiative, which has significantly increased retention rates and positively impacted thousands of WSU students. As a dedicated professor, mentor, and administrator, Swindell has inspired countless individuals to persist in their academic careers. Her contributions to advancing women in higher education, coupled with her selfless work ethic and collaborative spirit, have made a lasting impact on WSU. In the words of her nominator, Samantha Swindell is one of WSU’s “superpowers,” enhancing the institution through her humility, vision, and tireless service. The Association for Faculty Women and Samuel H. Smith are privileged to facilitate system-wide recognition of Samantha Swindell through this award.

Previous recipients