Campus

President Isiaah Crawford Receives Honorary Degree From Saint Louis University

Crawford’s alma mater recognizes his dedication to transformative education

TACOMA, Wash. – University of Puget Sound President Isiaah Crawford, PhD, received an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Education, honoris causa) from the prestigious Saint Louis University on Saturday, May 21, in St. Louis, Mo.

Crawford was joined by four others in being recognized for their outstanding achievements by the Jesuit institution: Andres Gallegos, chair of the National Council on Disability; Patrick Lee, whose charitable foundation provides funding to advance education and improve the lives of those affected by mental illness; and Joan and John Vatterott, who support St. Louis-area nonprofits through their foundation, for their outstanding achievements.

President Isiaah Crawford receives an honorary degree, flanked by Joseph P. Conran (left) and Fred P. Pestello (right)

President Isiaah Crawford (center) was awarded an honorary degree from Saint Louis University in May 2022. The honor recognizes Crawford's commitment to creating inclusive learning communities for the next generation of visionary leaders and lifelong learners. Pictured with him are Joseph P. Conran (left), chair of the SLU board of trustees, and SLU President Fred P. Pestello (right).

“I am grateful to be presented with this honor from my beloved alma mater, and it was my great privilege to take part in Saint Louis University’s Commencement ceremony last weekend,” said Puget Sound President Isiaah Crawford. “As an undergraduate student so many years ago, I could never have imagined being invited to return to campus to receive an honorary degree. I am humbled and feel very blessed.”

Crawford was honored for his commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for the next generation of visionary leaders and lifelong learners.

President Isiaah Crawford (center) with Kent Korneisel (left) and Robert Palermo, president of The Rosa Corporation (left)

President Isiaah Crawford (center) with Kent Korneisel (left) and Robert Palermo, president of The Rosa Corporation (right)

The first in his family to graduate from college, Crawford earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from DePaul University in Chicago. He joined the psychology faculty at Loyola University of Chicago, achieving the rank of professor and, ultimately, serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences—all while maintaining a private psychotherapy practice. In 2008, he became provost and chief academic officer of Seattle University and, for eight years, oversaw the institution’s schools and colleges, libraries, enrollment, student academic achievement, and global activities.

Crawford was named University of Puget Sound’s 14th president in 2016, charged with stewarding the university community through the development and implementation of the Leadership for a Changing World strategic plan, designed to challenge and support students as they become broadly and deeply educated lifelong learners, prepared to create and serve the future.

He currently serves as chair of the board of directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and also on the boards of the American Council on Education, Independent Colleges of Washington, and the Northwest Conference, as well as the Tacoma Art Museum, Seattle Symphony, Providence St. Joseph Health, and Providence Health Plan.

President Isiaah Crawford

"As an undergraduate student so many years ago, I could never have imagined being invited to return to campus to receive an honorary degree. I am humbled and feel very blessed."

About Puget Sound
A nationally ranked residential liberal arts college in Tacoma, Wash., University of Puget Sound enrolls 1,800 undergraduate students from across the country and around the world, as well as 300 graduate students in education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty members who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 50 areas of study. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Luce scholars, notables in the arts and culture, scholars and scientists, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A top producer of Fulbright scholars, Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.

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