ERNEST A. SWAIN

1915 – 2006

The Ernest A. Swain Scholarship was created by the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to honor Ernest A. Swain, the man, his profession, and his service to the New Hanover County community.  Ernest Swain served as an educator in New Hanover and Brunswick County for over 50 years. He was a member of his beloved fraternity for more than 60 years.

Ernest Swain was born on April 19, 1915 in Southport, NC. After attending primary and high schools in Brunswick County, Ernest received his degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and later a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago. But it was at Morehouse College that Ernest became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1934.

 Foremost in Ernest’s mind was the cultivation of the minds of young people. First as a Truant Officer and later as a Principal, he saw first-hand the power of educating our youth. Holding true to his pledge to SCHOLARSHIP, many a young man and young lady were tutored and mentored by Ernest Swain and his devoted wife Jeffrey, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Swains made education a top priority in not only there lives, but the lives of countless others.

The Scholarship is a merit scholarship with a required minimum 2.50 GPA.  The selected recipient will reflect the superior qualities and characteristics embodied in Mr. Swain through his decades of selfless leadership in the African American community where he served as an educator and school administrator who fought for excellence in education for young people of all ages.  The recipient will have demonstrated leadership through volunteer community service in the African American community where they lived.