John W. Schwada
Thirteenth President
1971 - 1981
John W. Schwada was ASU's thirteenth president, serving from 1971 to 1981. He presided over one of the largest growth periods in university history, when enrollment climbed from 26,000 to 40,000. During his tenure, 25 buildings were added to the campus, including the University Activity Center (now known as the Wells Fargo Arena), Packard Stadium, and the Sun Devil Stadium addition. In addition, the College of Public Programs was established and ASU joined the Pac-10 Conference.
President Schwada conferred more degrees in his decade as a president than had been awarded in the entire previous history of the university. He is remembered for expanding the scope of university services and resources to address the needs of both the Phoenix metropolitan area and the state of Arizona.