Feb. 15, 2008

Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356
University Relations

Georgia State student named to USA TODAY’s prestigious academic team

ATLANTA – Henry Swofford, a Georgia State University Presidential Scholar and senior biology major, was recognized by USA TODAY’s 2008 All-USA College Academic Team program.

Out of hundreds of nominees from four-year colleges nationwide, Swofford was selected among the top 40 undergraduates in the United States for the honor and named to the second team.

He is the only student from Georgia on the academic teams, which appeared in Thursday’s edition of the newspaper. Swofford is also the first Georgia State student to be recognized since USA TODAY started the program in 2001.

The All-USA College Academic Team program honors students who have not only challenged themselves and excelled in their course work, but who also have extended their academic and broader intellectual abilities beyond the classroom to benefit their schools and communities.

Swofford, a native of Rex, Ga., exemplifies these characteristics. In addition to maintaining a 3.82 GPA and taking a rigorous load of honors courses, Swofford works 40 hours a week at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. As a laboratory technician in the fingerprint section, Swofford processes weapons, threatening notes, money, bullets, decomposed bodies and other materials, collecting evidence for criminal cases.

“I enjoy making a difference – making sure the innocent remain innocent,” Swofford said.

Another passion for Swofford is research. Through the Honors Program at Georgia State and his position at the GBI, Swofford has completed several studies on toxicology, fingerprint analysis and trace evidence procedures, several of which have been published and presented at national conferences.

Swofford is also an entrepreneur. He developed a computer software program, the BAC Tracker, that can extrapolate blood alcohol concentration through six different formulas. Defense attorneys, forensic scientists, law enforcement officials and university faculty have all used the software in their various roles.

"Sometimes a student will come in and you just know that they are ahead of the curve,” said Greg Chisholm, coordinator of the Georgia State scholars program who nominated Swofford for the honor. “I knew Henry had the passion and drive to accomplish anything. He is headed towards one of the top-slot positions in the law enforcement field."

Each February, USA TODAY names 20 undergraduates to the All-USA College Academic Team, a national recognition that comes with a trophy and $2,500. Forty students also are named to the second and third teams and receive certificates.

“I am honored to have received this recognition, however, I am left humbled at the same time because this award only proves the caliber of the faculty and staff at Georgia State,” said Swofford, who is graduating in May. “I could not have come close to where I am today were it not for their intellect, encouragement and personal interest in my success.”