I am humbled to be chosen as Texas Southern University’s fourteenth president. It is the honor of my career to join this esteemed institution with such a rich history, especially as we embark upon the celebration of the institution’s 100-year anniversary. I look forward to working collaboratively with our world-class faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community to uphold and elevate our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and economic empowerment as we advance our mission of meeting the needs of our students in the 21st century as they navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape. It is with great excitement that I step into service to this dedicated and learning-centered community as President.
President J. W. Crawford III
Texas Southern University's 14th President
President J. W. Crawford III
Texas Southern University's 14th President
President J. W. Crawford III
Texas Southern University Names New President
On April 25, 2024, the TSU Board of Regents announced Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III—former President of Felician University and retired Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the United States Navy—as the sole finalist in the presidential search. On May 16, 2024, the Board officially approved Crawford as the university’s fourteenth President. He will assume his role on June 1, 2024, marking a new chapter in TSU’s leadership and commitment to academic excellence.
The Search for TSU’s Next Leader
During an extensive presidential search, Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III was recommended to the TSU Board of Regents by a dedicated Presidential Search Committee in partnership with the renowned executive search firm WittKieffer. Led by TSU Regent and 1st Vice Chair James Benham and Dr. Edieth Wu, the committee—with the participation of notable figures such as Michael Strahan, Vicki Hollub, Mathew Knowles, and Andrew Card—developed a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates. Through inclusive listening sessions with various stakeholders, the process was designed to ensure the selection of the best candidate to guide Texas Southern University into the future.
Meet the President's Cabinet
Dr. Carl Goodman
Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Bobby A. Brown
Chief of Police
Dr. Cynthia Buckley
Interim Vice President of Human Resources
Tracy Clemons
Interim Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Charlie W. Coleman III, J.D., MBA
Senior Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement
Dr. Raijanel Crockem
Senior Associate Vice President of University Planning and Analytics
Dr. Kevin Granger
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics
Benjamin Green
Interim Consulting Vice President & Chief of Information and Digital Officer
Kia Harper
Chief of Staff
Melanie Jackson
Interim Chief Operations Officer
Charlie Nhan
General Counsel
Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall
Vice President of Research and Innovation
John Pittman
Interim Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Business and Finance
Dr. James White
Vice President of Government Affairs and Civic Engagement
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