Posted on Friday, February 07, 2025
For Black History Month 2025, Texas Southern University proudly highlights the remarkable journey of its 14th President, James W. Crawford III, Vice Admiral, JAGC, U.S. Navy (Retired). Appointed in May 2024, Crawford brings a distinguished blend of military service, academic leadership, and a lifelong commitment to labor, service, and justice—aligning perfectly with this year’s theme: African Americans in Labor.
President Crawford’s career reflects a profound dedication to public service and leadership in labor-intensive roles. His naval career is a testament to African American contributions in the military labor force, particularly in roles that required strategic planning, legal oversight, and advocacy for justice. As the 43rd Judge Advocate General of the Navy, appointed by President Barack Obama, Crawford led over 2,300 attorneys, enlisted paralegals, and civilian employees worldwide. His leadership ensured the protection of legal rights within the military and advanced ocean policy affairs, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to service and labor equity.
Born into a tradition of discipline and service, Crawford's educational journey began as a student-athlete at Belmont Abbey College, graduating in 1979. He continued to break barriers by earning his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill and a Master of Laws in Ocean and Coastal Law from the University of Miami School of Law. His academic pursuits culminated with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, highlighting his dedication to understanding and improving systems that impact national and global labor forces.
Transitioning from military to academia, Crawford served as the first male president of Felician University from 2020 to 2023. His tenure was marked by resilience and innovation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He secured $17 million in grants for university capital improvements, expanded technology infrastructure, and bolstered STEM programming—directly impacting the labor market by preparing students for future careers in critical sectors. Crawford’s efforts to restructure the executive leadership team, increase faculty involvement, and establish a Staff Assembly showcased his commitment to shared governance and labor representation within educational institutions.
Crawford’s advocacy extended beyond university walls. As Chairman of the Bishop’s Advisory Council on Racism for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, VA, from 2019 to 2022, he drafted the organization’s charter, emphasizing systemic change and labor equity within the church and broader community. His board memberships, including the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children and Belmont Abbey College, further illustrate his dedication to providing opportunities for underserved populations—a cornerstone of labor advancement.
His distinguished naval service, which includes roles as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy and Commander of the Naval Legal Service Command, highlights his unwavering dedication to justice and labor leadership. Crawford’s personal decorations, such as the Distinguished Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal, underscore his exceptional contributions to military labor and legal systems.
James W. Crawford III’s journey is a powerful narrative of service, leadership, and advocacy. As Texas Southern University’s president, he continues to inspire future generations, embodying the spirit of African American contributions to labor and leadership. His guiding principles—faith, family, and service—resonate deeply within the TSU community, driving the institution toward greater heights in education, justice, and societal impact.
President Crawford is supported in his endeavors by his wife, Elizabeth, and their twin sons, Nicholas and Alexander, whose shared values of service and leadership are reflected in every facet of his professional journey.
Category: Alumni, Faculty & Staff, News Media, Students