Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago's new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, discovered his greatest strength in the mid-1980s. As a graduate student at DePaul University undergoing training as a therapist, he counseled troubled families. "I discovered I was able to move people from being entrenched to being open to new possibilities," he says.

Breaking down communication barriers and motivating people to work collaboratively are personal strategies Crawford will use in preparing the College of Arts & Sciences and Loyola for the future.

After an exhaustive national search, Crawford was appointed dean last February, having served as interim dean since January 2003. He joined Loyola as an assistant professor of psychology in 1987.

Faculty colleagues have described him as "an advocate of clear goals for the college and a strong voice on behalf of students."

"Dr. Crawford won approval and deep support among the faculty and staff throughout the college because of his ability to lead effectively with both wisdom and grace," says Provost Pete Facione, Ph.D.

While overseeing the college's 600-member, full- and part-time faculty and nearly 6,000 students, Crawford is helping to guide several projects, including the construction of the Life Sciences Building, the establishment of new professional and pre-professional degree programs at the Water Tower Campus, the strengthening of core curriculum, and preparation for the North Central re-accreditation site visit.

Crawford is also shaping the next generation of college faculty. "We're looking for top-notch scholars and accomplished educators foremost," Crawford says. "They must also have the ability to contribute across disciplinary lines."

Crawford also aims to enhance diversity among college faculty to better reflect the growing diversity of Loyola's student body as well as that of Chicago, which serves as a training ground for students in various fields.

"The intention is to bring the university to a level of cultural sensitivity that better prepares all students to meet the multicultural challenges of the local and greater world community," Crawford says.

Since joining the faculty as an assistant professor of psychology in 1987, Crawford has served on or chaired numerous academic and administrative committees, including search committees for provost, and associate vice president and dean of The Graduate School. He was appointed chair of the department of psychology in 1997, and was named a faculty mentor in 1991. He has received several awards from the American Psychological Association (APA), including a Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training Award. In 1996, he received the APA's Eighth Annual Achievement Award for Research from the Minority Fellowship Program, and was listed in Who's Who in Science and Engineering in 1992.

Crawford has served on the editorial boards of nine publications and continues to serve on several of them, including the Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education for Adolescents and Children, the Journal of Community Psychology and the Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality. In addition, he is the chairperson of the Illinois Clinical Psychologists Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

Crawford earned his doctorate and his master's degree from DePaul University in 1987 and 1985, respectively, and his bachelor's degree from St. Louis University.

"Dr. Crawford has the vision and dedication to build on the academic and research standing of an already distinguished college," says Facione. "I am confident that he will advance Loyola as a leader among academic institutions, both locally and nationally."

This article is from Loyola Magazine, Summer 2004.

To learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences, please visit: www.luc.edu/schools/cas/.