Staff Introduction: Meet Sarah Swenson, Administrative Coordinator


Sarah Swenson, who grew up in Chewelah and Newport, Washington, is the new Administrative Coordinator for the Agricultural and Extension Education Department here at the University of Idaho. Swenson graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Music Therapy, and then she spent some time working with elderly people in assisted living communities. She moved to Moscow four years ago with her husband of 18 years, Matt, and their two teenagers. She has been a stay-at-home mom, and her husband works as a professor in Mechanical Engineering here at the University of Idaho.


Swenson has shared that she is excited to work with the people in this department and says, “Everyone has been very welcoming and it’s a great atmosphere to work in. I look forward to meeting more students.” We are also very excited to have her with us in the department!


When asked about her background in agriculture, Swenson tells that she grew up in small towns which allowed her to see agriculture first-hand around her. She also says that her husband’s extended family farms around the Hillsboro, OR area. She has her own connection to agriculture with a garden and a small orchard at their house with assorted fruit trees that the family maintains.


In her spare time, Swenson enjoys baking and cooking. She also likes to spend her time canning with the fruit from their own fruit trees. Swenson and her family also enjoy hiking and fishing. She goes on to say, “I love to travel and am looking forward to doing more of that in the future.” Continuing, some interesting facts about our new Administrative Coordinator is that she can play the flute, likes to run, enjoys board and card games, and loves all things chocolate.


You can find Sarah Swenson in the department office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.



Written by Kiera Packer

Spring 2021

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