Ariadne Swichtenberg, 25 Years

Tell us about your career at Emory.

Ariadne is the senior associate director of academic programs at the Rollins School of Public Health.

My first position at Emory was right out of graduate school. I worked as a program coordinator at the Emory Regional Training Center (now closed), which was part of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the School of Medicine. I coordinated federally funded teen pregnancy prevention programs and other public health initiatives across Region IV (the Southeastern United States). In 2007, I transitioned to the Rollins School of Public Health, becoming an academic coordinator in the Department of Environmental Health. While my title has changed over the years due to promotions, I continue to serve in the same role today. 

What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Emory?

Some of my favorite memories include hearing the Dalai Lama and President Jimmy Carter speak at town hall events, experiencing the grandeur of Emory Commencement for the first time, and participating in a community art project hosted by our department. I also cherish fun moments like seeing Dooley on the quad on my birthday, walking through Lullwater Preserve on beautiful days, attending events across campus, meeting new people, and welcoming each incoming class at orientation. 

What are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed over the course of your career?

One of the most striking changes has been the construction and opening of two new buildings for the Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH). It's still hard to believe that one of them was built on what used to be just a small parking lot. This expansion represents the school's tremendous growth. I've also seen the rise (and fall) of the shops and restaurants at Emory Point, as well as increasing awareness of how politics and advocacy influence much of Emory’s work and how these topics are received on campus.

Ariadne pictured alongside Dooley.

Is there anything you miss from "back in the day"?

I sometimes miss the days when RSPH was smaller—it made it easier to know each student personally and to work more closely with faculty and staff. As staff and faculty change over time, the dynamics of the workplace shift as well.

What do you hope for the future of Emory?

I hope that research, faculty contributions, and student achievements will continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to science and society as a whole.

Anything else you would like to share?

I truly appreciate all that Emory does to support its employees; it makes it a great place to work.