Former dean of OU College of Law and interim president David Swank died at 93 on Sunday.
Swank earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University in 1953 and was named the nation’s outstanding ROTC graduate. A few weeks later, he was called to active duty as a ranger and lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
After three years of service, Swank enrolled in OU College of Law, earning his degree in 1959, and went on to serve as a partner at Swank & Swank law firm in Stillwater. He was named assistant county attorney for Payne County in 1961 and became county attorney in 1963. Swank also served as major in the U.S. Army Reserves Special Forces.
Swank joined OU as its legal counsel and assistant professor of law in 1963. He held several positions including associate professor, associate dean, professor and dean of the college of law from 1986-93.
Swank was honored by the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1977 and received the Oklahoma Bar Association President’s Award in 2008 and 2012. He was OU’s faculty representative to Big 8 and NCAA’s conferences for nearly 20 years.
Swank became interim president in 1988 after Frank Horton resigned as OU’s president. Swank was tasked with rebuilding the strained relationship between OU Board of Regents and the office of the president, and handled multiple athletics scandals until the appointment of Richard Van Horn in 1989.
Swank retired after the 2017-18 academic year, but he continued to serve on various committees devoted to law and higher education.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. wrote in a statement Tuesday that Swank was deeply influential in legal education and one of the most devoted public servants in university and state history.
“David remained deeply engaged in the life of the College of Law long after his deanship. During my time as dean, I was fortunate to experience firsthand his unwavering support, his invaluable counsel, and his enduring love for the college and its people,” Harroz wrote. “He brought distinction to every role he held, guiding generations of students, shaping legal practice in Oklahoma, and influencing national conversations in both law and college sports.”
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. June 24 at Sunset Gardens in Stillwater. Swank’s family is asking for donations to Redeemed Global Ministries or the OU College of Law scholarship fund to honor Swank’s legacy and support moot court students, ex-military and reserve military students, and legal aid programs.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
