Former SU President Norman Crawford dies
Norman Crane Crawford Jr., the fifth president of what is now known as Salisbury University, died Thursday
Former SU President Norman Crawford dies Norman Crane Crawford Jr., the fifth president of what is now known as Salisbury University, died Thursday Check out this story on delmarvanow.com: https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/2016/05/13/former-su-president-norman-crawford-dies/84340200/
Liz Holland, Salisbury Daily Times Published 3:28 p.m. ET May 13, 2016 | Updated 3:14 p.m. ET May 16, 2016
Dr. Norman Crawford, left, president of Salisbury University from 1970 to 1980, and other supporters celebrated the culmination of SU's 2012 capital campaign. Crawford died Thursday, May 12, 2016.(Photo: SU Image)
Dr. Norman Crawford poses with SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. (Photo: SU image)
Norman Crane Crawford Jr., the fifth president of what is now known as Salisbury University, died Thursday at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.
Crawford, who was 85, led the campus through a period of growth in the 1970s.
"I am saddened to learn of the death of Salisbury University President Emeritus Norman Crawford," said SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. "As the fifth president of SU — then known as Salisbury State College — from 1970-1980, he helped lay the foundation for many of the successes the campus enjoys today."
Under his stewardship, college established new academic programs, its winter term, the campus radio station and The Flyer student newspaper. He also oversaw the creation of the Salisbury University Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in SU's development.
Many buildings opened during his tenure, including the campus' first co-ed residence hall and Maggs Physical Activities Center. He also established the Great Hall of Holloway Hall as the original home for the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.
Crawford, who lived in Ocean Pines, is also remembered for hiring SU's first African-American faculty member, Dr. A.K. Talbot of the Sociology Department. Several years later, he welcomed the campus's first African-American fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.
"Perhaps Dr. Crawford's most lasting contribution was his dedication to increasing diversity at the institution," Dudley-Eshbach said. "He once noted that 'the harmonious desegregation of the state college' was his proudest accomplishment."
Crawford also was known as an enthusiastic sports fan, and used athletics to bolster enrollment and community support. The varsity football, softball, swimming, cross country, tennis and lacrosse programs were established and the East Campus athletic fields were built during his tenure.
"He was one of the most enthusiastic Sea Gull fans I ever met, and he maintained a strong interest in university life until his passing," Dudley-Eshbach said. "A few weeks ago, during festive ceremonies for SU's new Sea Gull Stadium, he was recognized for his vision in many areas of the student experience. I also, in 2006, had the privilege of presenting him with the inaugural Spirit of Salisbury University Award. It was a fitting honor: For many, Norm Crawford was a living embodiment of SU, and we will miss him greatly."
Crawford is survived by his wife of 60 years, Garnette Bell Crawford, and two daughters, Sally Jean Crawford of West Ocean City and Ellen Crawford Price of Charlotte, N.C.
A funeral service will be held Friday, May 20, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Berlin. A memorial service at Salisbury University is also being planned for a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Norman Crawford Memorial Fund, in care of the Salisbury University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2655, Salisbury, MD 21801.
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