She has been teaching digital marketing and other marketing courses at the university since 2007. Prior to joining K-State, Swilley received a bachelor's in mass communications from Wayne State University, an MBA from Kennesaw State University and a PhD in business administration from Florida State University. She also has nearly twenty years of experience working as a professional in the marketing industry. Swilley was in marketing and sales for USA Today and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She worked in the Internet division for BellSouth and has also worked for several advertising agencies.