Skip to main content

President J. W. Crawford III

President Crawford

A legacy that leads
A future that inspires

A legacy that leads
A future that inspires

 

Under President Crawford's leadership, Texas Southern moves boldly into its next chapter and prepares to celebrate 100 years of serving students, honoring a proud legacy while building what comes next. 

President J. W. Crawford III brings a deep commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and public service. With a career shaped by military precision and higher education leadership, he leads Texas Southern University with strategic clarity, calm resolve, and an unwavering focus on the future. 

 

At-a-Glance

$1.25M

Amount raised at the 2025 Tiger Ball

2,873

Students who earned Honor Roll, Dean's List, or President's List during Fall 2024

1,700+

Number of students who graduated during President Crawford's first year

Strategic Vision

Guided by Vision, Grounded in Mission

President Crawford’s leadership marks a new era of excellence, grounded in data-informed strategy, shared governance, and bold ambition. His administration has launched a comprehensive academic and strategic planning initiative designed to position Texas Southern University as an elite, first-choice HBCU. From securing the university’s largest-ever operating budget to breaking ground on transformational campus projects, including the Catalyst for Urban Transformation and new Nabrit Science Center, President Crawford is turning vision into momentum. Together with faculty, alumni, students, and statewide partners, he is building a Texas Southern University that honors its legacy while actively shaping the future.

Strategic Vision

Report to the Community

A Presidential Message of Progress, Accountability, and Vision

In just one academic year, President Crawford has moved from listening to action, meeting with every college and division, launching a transparent compensation study, and establishing the University Council to amplify campus voices in decision-making. His inaugural State of the University address and nationwide Tiger Tour reconnected alumni and stakeholders to a shared mission. Record-breaking research funding, increased alumni giving, and public-private partnerships underscore his commitment to community and accountability. This is a presidency defined by clear communication, collaboration, and forward progress.

Watch the State of the University Address
Report to the Community

Student Achievement

Empowering TIgers for Lifelong Impact

At the heart of President Crawford’s leadership is an unwavering commitment to student success. Under his guidance, Texas Southern has achieved historic increases in four-year graduation and persistence rates. New initiatives like the Tiger Promise tuition guarantee, expanded internship pipelines, and co-curricular job simulations through the T-CLAW platform are removing barriers and accelerating opportunity. From AfroTech to the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute, TSU students are not just participating, they are leading. President Crawford’s student-first approach ensures every Tiger is prepared to thrive in today’s world and tomorrow’s workforce.

Students with TSU President
Tiger Tour Seal

Tiger Tour: A Year of Connection

In his first year as president, James W. Crawford III launched the Tiger Tour, a national outreach initiative to engage alumni, community leaders, and partners.

The tour focused on listening, building relationships, and sharing a bold vision for Texas Southern University’s future. These in-person conversations helped strengthen the TSU network and set the tone for a presidency rooted in connection, service, and progress.

Contact Us via Email
Tiger Tour Cities

Follow @tsupresident

 

Texas.gov Texas Homeland SecurityTexas Veteran's PortalTRAIL SearchCompact with TexansReport State Fraud