Vice President and Dean of Admissions Jim Bock '90 recently announced that Joseph “J.T.” Duck will join the Swarthmore community as the director of admissions, effective Mon., Sept. 8.

Duck comes to Swarthmore from MIT, where he served as the associate director of admissions. His more than 15 years of higher education and college counseling experience also includes stints at Haverford College, Brandeis University, and Boston University Academy. Duck has managed database systems, designed, implemented, and monitored application review systems, managed staff, and developed annual training programs. He has worked as a member of a leadership team to make strategic enhancements to the recruitment and selection process. Duck also served as a director of College Counseling for five years, helping families navigate the admissions process.

“J.T. has a keen sense of what is effective in recruiting the best and brightest students both nationally and internationally," Bock says. "His references note that he has brought offices to new levels of achievement and had a lasting impact, and that he is a great mentor and friend to students, families, and colleagues alike.” 

Duck is excited to join the Swarthmore community and says he is looking forward to working with the dedicated admissions professionals he’s joining as well as reconnecting with a community that values Quaker traditions and philosophies.

"Swarthmore's focus on ethics and social responsibility, on rigorous academic work and high-levels of engagement between faculty and students, on innovative problem-solving, and on building a community where freedom of expression and interest in the greater campus community all appeal greatly to me," Duck says. "To a person, every student, faculty member, and staff member I met during my interview process was engaging, compassionate, and thoughtful, which are wonderful qualities to find in members of a close-knit community. Swarthmore is a really special place, and I'm honored to play some role in moving the College forward in the years to come.”

Duck earned a B.A. in comparative literature (French and English literature) from Haverford College and an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Harvard University.