Dr. Beth Crawford (’85, ’88) bleeds blue and gold. A proud alumna and current Professor and Program Advisor for the Learning and Leadership programs at UTC, Dr. Crawford’s dedication to the university extends far beyond the classroom.
Her journey to UTC began in Kingsport, Tenn., where she brought her spirit of community involvement to campus from dorm life to the student newspaper, the Echo.
“I truly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with colleagues and faculty throughout my undergraduate years,” Dr. Crawford reminisces, fondly remembering sledding down Cardiac Hill on a cafeteria tray.
Even so, it was a part-time job in Continuing Education that blossomed into a full-time job and passion for education. Witnessing the transformative power of education, Dr. Crawford was hooked and embarked on a long and distinguished career in higher education.
Even so, it was a part-time job in Continuing Education that blossomed into a full-time job and passion for education. Witnessing the transformative power of education, Dr. Crawford was hooked and embarked on a long and distinguished career in higher education.
Dr. Crawford’s research delves into areas like curriculum mapping and hybrid learning – a field she actively helped pioneer at UTC for the university’s early foray into distance learning. “We worked across the state to deliver educational opportunities via two-way interactive video and audio classrooms,” Dr. Crawford explains. This pioneering experience fueled her desire to explore innovative ways to expand educational access.
That desire for educational access also extends to her philanthropic leadership with support to academic divisions, athletics, faculty and staff development, public service initiatives and student aid. “I was blessed and privileged in the way I was able to earn all of my degrees,” Dr. Crawford acknowledges, “and I want to help others find ways to succeed in their educational journeys.”
From her role on the Faculty Senate to her work on various committees, Dr. Crawford’s generosity is not just financial and is integral in shaping UTC’s future and university community. As she declares, “Alums giving back to the university is the best way for us to market and grow the university… and enhance the opportunities for students to feel like they are part of an ongoing community.”
If you are a UTC employee and would like to learn more about employee giving, click here. If you’re inspired by Dr. Crawford’s generosity and want to make a gift to UTC, you can see all the ways you can give here.