John C. (Canute) Swensen (1869-1953) was a teacher at Brigham Young Academy and a professor of sociology, dean of the College of Education, and athletic director at Brigham Young University.

John C. (Canute) Swensen was born on February 4, 1869 in Pleasant Grove to Knud and Johanna Marie Hansen Swensen. His parents were born in Denmark and had immigrated to the United States. John C. was the fourth of five children. He was married to Margaret Davis on June 21, 1899; they had ten children. John C. had early experiences with farming. He served a six week mission to Park City. He then began his teaching career in Panguitch, Utah, in 1889. John C. later received the A.B. at Stanford University and later obtained an M.A. at Columbia University. He received instruction from the early sociologists of America. He was devoted in his teaching. He began teaching at Brigham Young Academy in 1898. He was dean of the college division of Brigham Young University from 1904-1910 and acting dean of BYU’s College of Education from 1921-1925. He was the head of BYU’s sociology department for 30 years. He died on August 30, 1953.