Nakita Swanigan

Email:

nswanigan@sa.utah.edu

Phone:

(801) 581-4217

Hometown:

Salt Lake City, Utah

Alma Mater:

University of Utah

Number of years at the U: 

I started at the University of Utah as a student in 2001.  I graduated with my B.A. in May 2006 and my M.Ed. in May 2009.  I have been an employee at the University of Utah since August 2007.

Why did you decide
to work at the U of U:

One day, while in my Spanish class, I had a realization that I never wanted to leave college.  I was immersed in an environment that required me to be engaged, participate and most importantly to push and challenge myself.  I found myself pondering the pros & cons of becoming a professional student but decided that this would not be the best course of action.  I researched jobs available at Universities and saw that I could have a career as a Student Affairs Professional.  I have found my passion for working with students in higher education by creating access & equity as well as providing services to ensure student success.

If I didn't work in recruitment, I'd be...

at home with my children.

Tips for college success:

Get involved!  Join a club, group, greek life or create your own.  Being involved on campus will enrich your college experience.  These are not just social groups or something to put on resume.  You may find that the people you meet can act as a strong network of support when things get rough.  Make this experience your own.

Most memorable college class:

Black Feminist Thought.  I took this class in my junior year and I received my first (and only) E grade on a midterm.  I was floored.  Speechless.  I was also embarrassed.  It took me a month to get up the courage to ask the professor if I could re-write the midterm.  Lucky for me, the professor was agreeable to this.  This classed pushed me in so many ways as the professor required that we do graduate level work in an undergraduate class.  Looking back now, I appreciate the fact that the professor expected and demanded more from me than others had in the past.  This class prepared me for and gave me the confidence to perform well in my graduate program.  I have much respect for this professor and appreciate the ways in which she challenged me as a student.

Quote you live by:

"Everybody wanna be famous, nobody wanna put the work in!" – Kevin Hart

Special skills and talents:

I am a licensed zumba instructor!

Favorite Salt Lake restaurant:

It is hard to choose just one restaurant.  I have several favorites and love to try new foods & flavors.  My top three are: Thai Lotus, Himalayan Kitchen & La Frontera.