Thomas H. Crawford
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Thomas H. Crawford’s extensive connections with and contributions to the University of Louisville have spanned more than 40 years. He received a B.S. in chemistry in 1958 and a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1961, both from the University of Louisville, and has gone on to a distinguished career as an educator, researcher, and administrator.
In 1961, Dr. Crawford joined the faculty at UofL in the Department of Chemistry teaching in the areas of general and inorganic chemistry. He’s served as a spokesman for the American Chemical Society and, for more than 25 years, he has provided a traveling chemistry show geared to promote awareness of environmental effects of pollution, overpopulation and “greenhouse” gases. An estimated 50,000 people in a variety of settings – K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and civic and church groups – have seen the show. He also developed an innovative undergraduate chemistry curriculum that was adapted for use in Honors sections of A&S chemistry classes at UofL, and he co-authored a textbook on general chemistry.
Since 1995 Dr. Crawford has served as Director of the Louisville Region Science Fair, and he was instrumental in putting together the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Louisville in 1997. He is also co-founder of the Kentucky State Science and Engineering Fair, which is open to middle and high school students across Kentucky who have won regional competitions.
Dr. Crawford served as chairman of the chemistry department for three years, and as the Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1973-74), Faculty Associate, 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 has 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 currently serves on the Metro Louisville Ethics Commission. Upon his retirement from the faculty in 1998, Dr. Crawford was named Professor Emeritus, and he continues to teach part time in Chemistry.
