Dr. Nancy Swanger is the Founding Director of the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living, which is housed in the School of Hospitality Business Management. She is also the Associate Dean for Inter-College Partnerships in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University. In addition to her administrative duties, she teaches various courses in the curriculum—senior living operations, professional development, and special topics focusing on current trends or industry issues. Nancy has extensive restaurant experience as a co-worker, manager, district manager, and owner. She and her husband owned and operated eight Subway restaurants from 1988-2017, and they still own two independent concepts. Her research interests lie in the areas of senior living, quick-serve restaurant operations, food safety/sanitation, and hospitality curriculum. As part of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, Nancy was named to the Healthy Ageing 50, one of four from the United States. Prior to coming to WSU, Nancy taught at the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College. The Swangers, who reside in Troy, Idaho, have four children and five grandchildren.

Sep 19, 2025


