BY, KHALIA WARD, JRN 101 STUDENT

Troy Swanson moves through Moraine Valley’s library with easy familiarity, settling into his chair as if he belongs just as much as the books lining shelves. 

But while he’s dedicated to the stacks, his influence stretches far beyond them. As chair of the college’s Library Department and the legislative chair of the Cook County College Teachers Union, Swanson juggles multiple roles–all of them rooted in a single mission: advocating for those who need a voice. 

“We have to protect our community colleges,” he says. “We are a voice for those who may not have the power to advocate for themselves.” 

Surprisingly, his journey wasn’t always headed toward education and advocacy. Growing up in Cambridge, Illinois—a small town of fewer than 2,000 people–he was a self-proclaimed nerd, devouring comic books, science fiction and classic literature. His father, an avid reader, set the foundation for a lifelong love of books, but libraries didn’t immediately strike him as a career path.  

At Augustana College, where he studied history and political science, he briefly considered law school. That changed when he started working in his college library. 

 “Oh, this is a great place,” he recalls thinking. That realization led him to earn a master’s in library science, setting him on a path he hadn’t expected but quickly embraced. 

For Swanson, libraries have more value to them than someone may see at first: “A good academic library isn’t just about books. It’s about learning and fostering ideas in all different ways.”  

That includes guiding students through research, providing access to critical databases, and even helping them create content through projects like podcasts. 

That passion for accessibility and education extends beyond campus. Since 2001, Swanson has been an integral figure in faculty union leadership, fighting for fair wages, better working conditions and the protection of academic resources. His dedication eventually led him to serve as the faculty union’s vice president for seven years and as president for eight, including through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Everything shut down, then we had to figure out how to come back safely,” he remembers. Working closely with administrators, Swanson helped navigate the unprecedented crisis, ensuring both students and staff had the support they needed. 

Now, as a key leader in the Cook County College Teachers Union, Swanson’s role extends to legislative advocacy, where he oversees political operations and fights for policies that directly impact community colleges. With state funding for these institutions on the decline, he’s determined to change that.

“We’re fighting to get that portion back because it helps students, employees, and keeps colleges healthy,” he says. 

His advocacy also extends to national politics, where he emphasizes the importance of supporting lawmakers who stand up for education and workers’ rights.  

“Even though Illinois is a blue state, our Democratic congressmen need to hear from us,” Swanson says. “If they stand up against Trump, then we need to stand with them. They need to know they’ve got our support to keep pushing forward.” 

Swanson’s activism is rooted in a deep sense of solidarity, not just with educators but with marginalized communities. As a straight white man, he acknowledges the privilege he carries and the responsibility that comes with it. 

“In those demographic factors, I’m probably at less risk than other people,” he admits.

But he refuses to stand by while others face systemic discrimination. A particularly powerful moment came when an African American colleague told him, “Troy, I’m glad I have you as a friend because it reminds me that not all white people hate me.” An almost undetectable emotion shows in his face at the memory. 

“I’m sorry that you feel that way, and I’m glad I could do that for you,” he told his friend. It reinforced his commitment to standing alongside those who face discrimination, ensuring they feel seen, heard and supported. 

Swanson’s approach to leadership and advocacy is one of action. He doesn’t just discuss ideas; he makes them happen. 

“When he puts his mind to something, he just gets it done,” says Tish Hayes, information literacy librarian. “I feel like I have to think about things a lot before acting, but he’s just a doer— definitely admire that.” 

A supportive and kind environment is something Swanson creates with every interaction he has. 

“He is always very supportive to new ideas, to questions that we have,” says librarian Lori Koetters. “He likes to talk to everyone about possible solutions and really makes the environment an open and good place to work for the workers here–for the librarians, but also for the students too.”

In an era where division often seems easier than unity, Swanson chooses the harder path: solidarity. Whether he’s fighting for faculty rights, securing funding for students, or standing by marginalized communities, his work underscores a fundamental belief: Justice and progress require all of us, regardless of background, to stand together. 

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKI KOWAL