bio Esther Swink

About Esther

As a life-long and passionate Nashvillian, Esther graduated Central High, completed a degree in Elementary Education and English at Trevecca, a Master’s of Library Science at Peabody, and the Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Vanderbilt.   Esther’s career included teaching first grade, serving as a library media specialist, election as President of the Metro Nashville Education Association, and working in the central office as Director of Libraries and Technology. Upon retirement from Metro, Trevecca recruited her to design a Master’s in Library Science degree program. She also served as the interim Library Director.  As the Dean of Education, she found her greatest joy in overseeing the work of doctoral candidates.  She and a colleague co-authored Navigating Leadership: Tools for Leading Effective Organizations.

Her many interests include music of most genres, playing piano for personal enjoyment, singing in choirs, reading, creative writing, and struggling to learn to speak Italian.  She is a ‘wannabe’ gardener, a lover of art and all things Italian. She and her husband are frequent travelers who have visited 74 countries, with Italy being her favorite.

Initially Esther resisted a friend’s efforts to get her to go to an opera. She finally gave in, went with her to Elmer Gantry, and was hooked. She has spent many years as an opera volunteer. Learning of Bel Canto a few years ago, she began volunteering and continues to believe strongly in its mission.