Randy Swearer

Dr. Randy Swearer began his career in the technology industry working at Wang Laboratories. He then shifted to academia, where he spent 25 years in teaching and higher education leadership at the University of Texas, Parsons School of Design, and Philadelphia University. In 2015 Dr. Swearer changed sectors to lead Autodesk’s global higher education program— and then moved to the Research group to oversee thought leadership, future of work, and learning research initiatives for the company.

From his time at the University of Texas at Austin, Swearer taught graduate and undergraduate courses in design studies, design history, design systems, and design entrepreneurship and was awarded a Texas Excellence Teaching Prize. He led the design division at UT Austin before becoming Dean of Parsons School of Design, a leadership position he held for six years. Currently, Swearer is an Associate of the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and sits on the advisory board and has lectured for the Harvard Masters of Design Engineering program. Previously he served on the Olin College of Engineering President’s Council.

Swearer received his Ph.D. in anthropology and urban studies from Union Institute, an M.F.A. in design from Yale University, and a B.A. from Wesleyan University in philosophy and history.