July 8, 2024

Featured Falcons: William Crawford

William Crawford, director of UM's Outdoor Scholars Program and head fishing team coach.What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
William Crawford, Outdoor Scholars Program director and head fishing coach.

Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I’m from Northport, Alabama, but have lived in Montevallo since 2011.

If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
An associate in science from Faulkner State Community College, a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of West Alabama and a Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of West Alabama.

How long have you worked here? 
Since 2012.

Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
Assistant registrar and annual fund director.

What brought you to Montevallo?
We were brought to Montevallo when my wife, Audrey Crawford, was hired in the Office of Admissions. It also gave me an opportunity to return to higher education.

What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
Having the opportunity to work very closely with UM President Dr. John Stewart. I have learned so much in the last ten years from Dr. Stewart, which has made me a better leader.

Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
Getting to travel the country with so many students through the years, it’s hard just to choose one. The biggest story of them all is seeing a dream come to fruition. The dream was to develop a program that was centered around the outdoors and to teach and educate students about career opportunities in the outdoor industry. There are now 22 former students who have careers in the outdoor industry.

What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
Helping bring national attention to our University by developing a one-of-a-kind program like Outdoor Scholars while winning a national championship and four Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles in college fishing.

Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I have the opportunity to impact many young people’s lives. We all have people who mentored us, and now I have the chance to do the same.

Anything else you want to say?
Montevallo has provided me a dream job! I will always be grateful for everyone who has helped me along this journey to make it the success that it is.