HOUSTON — Texas Southern University announced Thursday that it has a new president.
James W. Crawford III was named the sole finalist for president after former president Lesia Crumpton-Young announced last year that she was stepping down after serving two years.
“Throughout this process, I have learned so much about Texas Southern University, and I am honored to join this esteemed institution with such a rich history,” said Crawford. “I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community to uphold and elevate our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and economic empowerment as we advance our mission of transforming lives and creating leaders.”
Crawford is expected to start his new job in late May.
Who is James W. Crawford III?
Crawford is no stranger to leadership.
He comes to TSU from Felician University where he served as president for nearly two years after filling the role of interim president of the university for nine months.
Crawford served in the U.S. Navy for more than 30 years, retiring as a Vice Admiral and its 43rd Judge Advocate General. Crawford's naval career took him to some of the highest offices in the country, including the head of the Naval Legal Service Command, legal counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and commander of NATO Rule of Law Field Support, Afghanistan.
Crawford served under six presidents and was lead counsel for the principal military advisor to President George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Crawford is a native of Charlotte, N.C. He graduated from Belmont Abbey College, where he later served on the Board of Trustees, and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina. He holds a Master of Laws degree in ocean and coastal law from the University of Miami and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Crawford is married and he and his wife share 16-year-old twin sons.