Roger M. Swagler In Memoriam

Abstract

Roger M. Swagler died on August 8, 2023. Dr. Swagler was, until his retirement from the University of Georgia, a devoted member of the American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI). He attended annual conferences on a regular basis and thrived on discussions of the topics presented there. With his co-authors John Burton and Joan Koonce, he received ACCI's Russell A. Dixon award in 1996 for their article in Advancing the Consumer Interest, a now-defunct ACCI publication. They were recognized for their work on the Alternative Financial Services sector, and were among the first to explore research questions related to this sector.

Dr. Swagler's academic career began at Drake University. He also taught at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville before moving to the University of Georgia, from which he retired in 2005. He taught at the University of Liberia as part of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Later academic excursions were to Burkina Faso, India, and Lesotho.

After retirement, Dr. Swagler was an active volunteer in the Athens, Georgia community. He worked at The Ark, which provides a financial safety net for area residents who lose employment or have unexpected medical or auto expenses that put them in danger of losing housing and/or utilities. He also supported the efforts of the Athens Area Community Foundation and the WUGA (local public radio) Community Advisory Council. He served on the Vestry at St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church where he and his wife were members.

Dr. Swagler was the author of Caveat Emptor! An introductory analysis of consumer problems, a popular textbook for consumer economics courses. In a 2002 review of the book, Thomas J. Leary wrote that the book was “packed with good sense, sound values and interesting information….and sprinkled with gentle wit.” Roger's UGA colleagues would, no doubt, agree that Dr. Leary could have been describing Roger himself.

Dr. Swagler is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julia Marlowe Swagler, who also was an active member of ACCI and served as the organization's president. Other survivors include his sister, five children, a nephew, and six grandchildren.