Dr. Brian L. Crawford was named provost at West Liberty University in a formal announcement today.
“The selection of a provost is one of the most important decisions a university makes in terms of leadership and management. And it’s a decision upon which we — as a university — have worked together over the last few months, constantly mindful of its impact on the future of West Liberty University,” President Robin C. Capehart said as he introduced the provost to campus at an 11 a.m. press conference held in the Emmett Boyle Conference Center.
“Brian is an individual of great character and great vision; he’s an individual known for both his thoughtfulness and his decisiveness; he’s an individual who has proven not only his understanding of the academe, but his commitment to the distinctive nature of its operation and its governance; he’s an individual for whom we are extremely grateful – and for whom I am personally appreciative – was willing to step forward and offer his talents and abilities.”
Crawford took the opportunity to comment on the positive impact of West Liberty University on the state and region.
“I am committed to the continued growth and development of high quality academic programs at West Liberty. I thank you all for your support,” Crawford said.
Crawford is not new to WLU. He has been dean of liberal arts since 2010. Prior to that he was the chair of the department of social and behavioral sciences from August 2007 – May 2010. Crawford taught geography at WLU in various capacities since August 1999.
He also has taught at Ohio University (2003-2010), Indiana State University (1996 – 1999), University of Kentucky (1994 – 1996) and Allan Hancock College (1992 – 1993).
He also is a retired U.S. Air Force captain, having served in the military for 15 years. He was assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at University of Kentucky, Air Force ROTC Detachment 290 from 1993-1996. Prior to that he was Flight Commander, Academic Instructor and Operations Instructor, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Vandenberg Air Force Base, Ca. and before that he worked with the 91st Strategic Missile Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D. He began his military career as a navigation specialist with the United States Naval Reserve.
A resident of Wheeling, Crawford earned his Bachelor of Arts in Geography at Indiana University of PA, his Master of Science in Earth Science at California University of PA and his Doctorate in Physical Geography at Indiana State University.