The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an instrumental force in Earth system science. A collection of over 120 esteemed colleges and universities, UCAR stewards the National Center for Atmospheric Research on behalf of the National Science Foundation.
In November 2023, UCAR appointed Missouri State University alumna Alisha Swofford as chief operating officer (COO) to head its operational landscape.
Road to being COO
Growing up on a dairy farm near Ava, Missouri, Swofford’s ascent within UCAR is nothing short of inspiring. She graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations in 2001 and went on to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2003.
“I was also accepted as a graduate assistant in the marketing department. I gained so much knowledge and confidence in that role,” she said.
“My favorite aspect of the MBA program was just how invested my professors were in my success, as well as how many of them got to know me on a personal level.”
Swofford began her journey at UCAR, based in Colorado, in 2019, with her appointment as deputy director of facilities. Within a year, she transitioned to the role of deputy chief operating officer, eventually becoming COO last November.
As COO, Swofford oversees human resources, finances, facilities management, risk management, information technology, internal audit and health and safety.
Some valuable advice
She has some encouraging words to impart to students.
“First, don’t overlook any opportunity or experience, no matter how seemingly insignificant or irrelevant it appears. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the little things are the big things,” Swofford said.
“Second, when doors open, step through the fear. It’s human nature to discount ourselves and to think we’re not ready or don’t have enough experience or the right experience. Throw those thoughts away. If you wait until you feel “ready,” you could wait a lifetime.”