Robert Henry Swansbrough

He was born May 3, 1938 in Chicago, Ill. to Naomi Wray and Raymond Albert Swansbrough, who both preceded him in death. His family moved from Chicago to Southern California, where Bob received his B.A. in history from California State University at Long Beach, and both his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Bob served in the United States Navy from 1961-1965, honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant J.G. after deployment on the U.S.S. Braine.

He was selected nationally as one of twelve Congressional Fellows of the American Political Science Association in 1969-70. Before arriving at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1971, Bob taught at the College of William and Mary. He also worked as a legislative assistant, congressional aide, and campaign manager for seven congressional campaigns in Tennessee and California.

At UTC, Bob chaired the political science department from 1981-1991, served as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1990-1992, and as Associate Dean since 1992. In 1993, he completed the Harvard University Management Development Program. His teaching areas included American Government, The Presidency, American Foreign Policy, World Politics, International Relations, Political Leadership, Presidential Personality, and Congress.

A recognized expert on southern politics, Bob’s publications include: Political Change in Tennessee, The South’s New Politics, and chapters on Tennessee politics in four editions of Presidential Elections in the South. In May 2008, Palgrave McMillan published his book Test by Fire: The War Presidency of George W. Bush.

Bob also created the board game Presidential Fever, and served as President of the Tennessee Political Science Association (1987-88), as a political pollster, and as a TV political analyst, panelist, and show host. Additionally, he coached soccer teams for his children throughout their childhood.

Beginning in 2006, Bob chaired a committee to reestablish ROTC and create a Department of Military Science at UTC. For his efforts, Bob was presented the General William E. DePuy Award by the U.S. Army Cadet Command, considered the most prestigious award bestowed by Cadet Command and awarded to only one other individual.

The highlight of Bob’s career came with his selection as a 2009-2010 Fulbright Scholar to China, where he taught courses on American Government and US Foreign Policy at Sichuan University in Chengdu. He also delivered guest lectures at numerous other university campuses throughout China.

Bob is survived by his wife Mary (Macris) Swansbrough; children James Raymond and Christina Marie Swansbrough (Chattanooga); siblings Allen (Westminster, Calif.) and Bonnie Swansbrough (Las Cruces, N.M.); niece Christie Dunn Gonzalez (Victorville, Calif.); sister-in-law Georgia Macris (Wilmington, N.C.) and brother-in-law Dr. Spiro Macris (Wrightsville Beach, N.C.). Bob leaves behind a legacy of integrity, intellect, and kindness for the countless students, colleagues, and friends who he affected over a lifetime of teaching. He was a gentleman, scholar, and role model to his devoted wife, children, and siblings throughout his full life.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at First Centenary United Methodist Church. Services will be held at the same location at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with Dr. Dwight Kilbourne and Dr. David Harr of First Centenary officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The family welcomes flowers, however, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 519 East 14th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403 or First Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tennessee.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.