WCU Stories      November 18, 2024

By Cam Adams

After a nationwide search, the Western Carolina University Division of Information Technology has named Scott Swartzentruber as its next chief information security and privacy officer, effective Nov. 13. 

He replaces the retiring Joel McKenzie.

Swartzentruber takes on this new role after serving as the director of networking and communications in the Division of Information Technology.

"I’ve truly enjoyed my time working in IT at Western and take great pride in all that the team has accomplished,” Swartzentruber said. “It’s an honor to step into this new role, and I’m excited to build upon the strong foundation of success that Joel has established."

Swartzentruber has been working at WCU for over 30 years, starting in the university’s first networking position in information technology in 1994.

He has a bachelor’s in electrical engineering technology from Georgia Southern University and is a 20-year retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard.

“As a certified information systems security professional, his experience in the armed forces and his ability to translate and communicate complex technical issues with anyone are just a few of the reasons he was the obvious top choice,” said Chris Williams, WCU chief information officer.

McKenzie, a double alumnus of WCU, graduated in 1982, came back in 1990 to work in Cullowhee throughout the 1990s and earned his master’s of business administration in 1998.

Following a hiatus from WCU, McKenzie was named the chief information security officer in 2013 before the role changed to chief information security and privacy officer in 2018.

“Joel has helped position WCU as a proactive and forward-thinking institution with regards to our security and privacy program,” Williams said. “Joel has positioned WCU, the Division of IT and his replacement for success in this area. I’m fortunate to have had the last six months to learn from his many years of experience.”