MA in Communication

Robert Swiech, 2012

Lt. Col. Bob Swiech was selected to attend George Mason University by the United States Air Force. A recent Air Force initiative called for the development of a cadre of officers specifically educated on strategic communications. The purpose of the program was to better inform elected leaders, policy makers, and the public as to the national security contributions of the Air Force. Bob said he was fortunate to be selected to participate in the 18-month Strategic Communications graduate program at Mason.

“The faculty is world-class and committed to providing the necessary foundation to allow students to succeed in future endeavors,” Bob said. “My favorite instructors were Dr. Carla Fisher and Dr. Kathy Rowan. Both are inspirational and dedicated to helping their students fulfill their potential.”

Bob said the most valuable element of his Mason experience was becoming better informed on the diverse public service interests embodied by the projects and efforts of the faculty and students.

Bob attended the Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he completed an extremely competitive one-year graduate program. Every year, over three hundred people apply but only 35 are selected. The program is designed to educate military officers in the art and science of grand strategy. In order to graduate, Bob read 276 books, composed a 100-page thesis of original strategic thought, and endured a three-hour oral comprehensive exam board. In the summer of 2014, he moved into an Air Force leadership position in the Washington D.C. area.

“Public service has always been important to me,” Swiech said. “Serving in our military allows me to make a contribution on behalf of the nation.”