Robert Schwoch
JBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MSJ, Northwestern University
Undergraduate Adviser

Robert Schwoch brings more than 20 years of experience in reporting, editing and public relations to his post as undergraduate adviser in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. During the academic year he holds a half-time appointment in the J-School, complementing his business as a strategic communications consultant serving nonprofit and political clients. He also writes fiction and occasionally manages to get it published.

Before striking out on his own Bob served nine years as a staffer and communications specialist in the Wisconsin Legislature, then became Director of Public Affairs for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, where he oversaw public communications and was the state’s primary registered lobbyist for AIDS/HIV issues and funding. He is one of a small handful of people ever to head both Democratic and Republican legislative staffs at the State Capitol. Bob began his journalism career as a reporter in the 1980s, covering “anything no one else wanted” in the sports department at the Milwaukee Journal.

Bob’s student days at the J-School ended in 1982, but his diploma didn’t arrive until several years later because he failed to consult or listen to the undergraduate adviser. He has returned to help spare today’s students from a similar fate and provide additional scraps of academic and career wisdom to UW’s aspiring journalists and strategic communication professionals.

When he’s not communicating or advising communicators, Bob enjoys watching hockey, breaking his limbs playing hockey, and watching hockey. He is a known Cubs fan but will deny it. Bob and his partner Hal live in Milwaukee and spend as much of their summer as possible in and around Vancouver, British Columbia.