Douglas Swanson

Douglas Swanson is the Labor Studies Program Coordinator within the Department of Political Science at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. He transitioned to academia after over 25 years in labor unions, holding roles as a member activist, officer, and administrator. Prior to labor work, he served in the Illinois Department of Transportation managing large-scale infrastructure projects.

Education:

• Doctorate of Education (UMSL College of Education)
• Master’s in Labor Studies (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)
• Bachelor's in Union Leadership and Administration (National Labor College)
• Associate’s in Management (Sauk Valley Community College)

Research focuses on labor history, evolving work dynamics, employment equity, and nontraditional learning strategies. His recent work examines barriers faced by construction workers related to high school education and vocational training efficacy.

Teaching emphasizes bridging academic theory with real-world labor challenges, leveraging his extensive union experience. He actively engages students through case studies on collective bargaining, leadership development, and labor rights advocacy.

Professional activities include organizing interdisciplinary conferences addressing labor and civil rights intersections, as highlighted in his 2018 conference summary.