JOHNSON CITY – Two Tusculum University leaders who have already established a considerable record of professional accomplishment and assistance to the community have been honored by a local business magazine.
Erin Frizzell, dean of students, and the Rev. E.J. Swatsell, director of spiritual life and special projects, are members of the 2025 class of 40 Under Forty.
The Business Journal of Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia holds this annual competition to recognize individuals who are excelling in the workplace and supporting their communities through service. The publication honored them and the other class members at a banquet Saturday, November 8, and will feature them in its December edition.
“We are thrilled to see the magazine, which has its finger on the pulse of local business, celebrate the high-quality work Erin and E.J. perform every day,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Both of them have achieved impressive levels in their professional lives and in community impact early in their careers, and we anticipate they will continue to demonstrate growth as they progress in both phases. We are proud to have Erin and E.J. as Tusculum family members.”
Frizzell was promoted to dean of students in July. She collaborates with fellow staff members in the Office of Student Affairs and others at Tusculum to ensure students receive the holistic support they need in a caring Christian environment so they become career-ready professionals. In particular, she is responsible for student wellness and conduct, intramurals and student work-studies and serves as the university’s Title IX coordinator. Throughout her career, Frizzell has performed work with direct impact on the community. She started as a district and U.S. Capitol legislative aide for Congressman Gresham Barrett of South Carolina for three years. Then, she served as a domestic violence victim’s advocate and paralegal for Legal Aid of East Tennessee for 10 years. She trained law enforcement officers, judiciary personnel and domestic violence and sexual assault agencies on changes to the law.
She joined the Tusculum family in 2021 as an Upward Bound advisor in the federal TRIO pre-college programs at the university, which serve students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree or who meet income-eligibility requirements. She rose to program director in 2022. Those who wrote support letters for Frizzell’s nomination referenced the deep and trusting relationships she fosters that empower students to grow, thrive and persist. They describe her leadership style as a blend of compassion with consistency and consider her a respected administrator and a trusted mentor. She is also credited with reviving and co-chairing the Tennessee TRIO Advocacy Committee.
People describe her as dynamic, collaborative, and visionary with the ability to unite people around shared goals. They said she is kind, empathetic and attuned to the needs of every student who come to her. They also highlight the positive spark she is bringing to the culture in Student Affairs and her revamping of the Cares Team initiative to support students.
“Serving students and people in the community is part of my DNA, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help them,” Frizzell said. “I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have received throughout my career and look forward as dean of students to continue helping our Pioneers attain their dreams and become solid contributors to the communities they will serve. I appreciate The Business Journal for selecting me to this class, which features so many excellent professionals.”
Swatsell was promoted to director of spiritual life and special projects in July. He is playing an integral role in the faith life of students and the newly created Christian Leadership Institute and its Discipleship Living-Learning Center. He works closely with the 16 students who reside in the male and female houses in the center and further develop their relationship with the Lord through Bible studies and ministry opportunities.
He also oversees Tusculum’s weekly chapel sessions. In addition, he is further growing relationships with church leaders and others in the community who are helping the university expand its faith offerings.
Swatsell joined the Tusculum family in February as an academic advisor in Educational Talent Search, another TRIO program at the university, but his skill set in the spiritual realm led to his quick transition to his new position.
In addition to his role at Tusculum, Swatsell serves in the young adult ministry at First Church of God in Greeneville, where he and his family worship. He also serves as chaplain for the Greeneville Fire Department, a role he has held since 2016. He ministers to the department’s personnel as they perform their duties and supports community members who have emergencies, experience grief or work their way through recovery. Swatsell served as associate pastor of Cedar Creek Church of God in Greeneville from 2010-2019, with an emphasis on directing student ministry. He facilitated substantial growth in ministry and other facets of the church.
Outside the ministry, Swatsell produced about $1 million in sales during his four years as owner and operator of Back Porch Antiques. A fourth-generation farmer, he is the owner of a 100-year-old family farm that raises beef cattle.
His support letters tout him as a compassionate minister, an effective administrator and a successful fundraiser. They say he has gone above and beyond to create a Christ-centered environment and equip students to show discipleship in their lives. Swatsell is considered to be a valuable resource to the fire department and a trusted friend to first responders.
Additionally, people consider him to be a caring person who values honesty and hard work. They also emphasize how Swatsell’s investment in younger people’s lives at an impressionable age has resulted in them becoming adults of great character.
“The Lord has blessed my life abundantly, and I am pleased to serve Him in whatever way He calls me so I can help others know Him in a meaningful way,” Swatsell said. “We are making a lot of progress in expanding God’s presence on campus and further building our connections with churches and others in the community who are focused on supporting spiritual development. I am thankful God called me in this direction and am grateful to The Business Journal for deeming me to be a worthy selection.”
Frizzell and Swatsell are the ninth and 10th Tusculum family members the Business Journal has selected for 40 Under Forty recognition since 2019.
Cutline for award 1: Erin Frizzell, left, and the Rev. E.J. Swatsell hold their awards after the ceremony.
Cutline for award 2: Left to right, Chuck Sutton, Dr. David Cook, Erin Frizzell, the Rev. E.J. Swatsell and Dr. Scott Hummel celebrate after the event.
