MEET BRIAN

My name is Brian Swan. I am the president and founder of Greatland College Consulting. I am also the author of The Savvy Guide to the 4-year WUE Colleges. I started my business because I wanted to give families a stress-free, organized, and personalized college search experience. I have been involved in the lives of high school students my whole adult life. From working with underprivileged youth in gym programs, directing music and theater activities, guiding group discussions in high school Sunday School classes, to teaching my own boys as a homeschool dad, helping students has always been a passion of mine. 

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I completed the certification program for Independent Educational Consultants at the University of California - Irvine. I am a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association, where I serve as the Anchorage Area Community Representative. I am also a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and the Pacific Northwest Association of College and Admissions Counselors. I love to visit colleges and attend related conferences and workshops year round.

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I earned a B.S. in Pharmacy from Butler University in 1984. I started and owned Swan’s Family Pharmacy in Indianapolis, Indiana, prior to moving to Alaska in 2000. I have also worked for Fortune 500 companies. I continue to work in the Pharmacy industry on a part-time basis. I have a lot of real-world experience in the sciences, business, and the arts.

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I am married and have two young adult sons whom we homeschooled for eight years. We live in Anchorage, Alaska. I enjoy activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, skiing, or anything that takes me outside in beautiful Alaska. I am involved in our local church, focused on serving high school students.

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I am passionate about helping students and families on a personal and consistent basis to reduce their stress by guiding them through the complex process of finding and applying to colleges. I use my years of experience and expertise to give families a road map that keeps the process organized and manageable, and that empowers the student to succeed in choosing a college that fits all their needs: academic, social, and financial.

I really love what I do.