Thomas H. Crawford papers

Thomas H. Crawford’s extensive connections with and contributions to the University of Louisville spanned more than 40 years, starting when he received a B.S. in chemistry in 1958 and a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1961. In the years following, he served the university as an educator, researcher, and administrator.

In 1961, Dr. Crawford joined the UofL faculty in the Department of Chemistry to teach in the areas of general and inorganic chemistry. There he developed an innovative undergraduate chemistry curriculum that was adapted for use in the Honors sections of chemistry, and he co-authored a textbook on general chemistry.

During this time, he also served as a spokesman for the American Chemical Society and, for more than 25 years, provided a traveling chemistry show geared toward promoting awareness about the environmental effects of pollution, overpopulation, and “greenhouse” gases. An estimated 50,000 people in a variety of settings—from K-12 schools to colleges and universities to civic and church groups—saw the show.

Beginning in 1995, Dr. Crawford served as director of the Louisville Region Science Fair. He was instrumental in bringing the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to Louisville in 1997 and was heavily involved in its organization. He also co-founded of the Kentucky State Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students across Kentucky.

Dr. Crawford served as chairman of the chemistry department for three years, as well as the Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1973-74), Faculty Associate for the Office of the President (1975-77), Assistant Executive Vice President for Administration (1977-79), Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (1979-83), Acting University Provost (1983-84), and Associate University Provost (1984-98).

Among his many other achievements, Dr. Crawford received the Kentucky Association Environmental Award, the UofL Alumni Association Order of Merit Award, and the UofL Alumni Association Red Apple Award for excellence in teaching. He served on many community boards and committees, including 18 years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Christian Church Homes of Kentucky and the Metro Louisville Ethics Commission. Upon his retirement from the faculty in 1998, Dr. Crawford was named Professor Emeritus and continued to teach part time in Chemistry.

Source: University of Louisville. “Thomas H. Crawford.” College of Arts and Sciences. Accessed November 10, 2017. http://louisville.edu/artsandsciences/about/hallofhonor/inductees/crawford.html.