James Crawford Named President of Felician University

On Jun 29, 2021

James W. Crawford, III, a retired Admiral and the 43rd Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the United States Navy, was recently named the sixth president of Rutherford-based Felician University.

According to Chris Swenson, chair of the university’s board of trustees,  “Many we spoke to during this [selection] process described Crawford as inspirational, a servant leader and someone who truly lives our Felician core values.  His hands-on experience in steering the university during one of the most challenging periods in its history enables him to step into the role of president fully prepared to take us to new heights.”

According to the institution, Crawford’s vision for the university reflects a profound respect and responsibility to each member of the Felician community, beginning with its students.  His commitment to expand the boundaries of academic programs, cultivate immersive learning environments, and enhance the Felician-Franciscan experience will further his goal to elevate the arc of every student and the lives they touch now and in the future.

In the U.S. Navy for more than three decades, Admiral Crawford served under six presidents and was Lead Counsel for the principal military advisor to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.  He was a trusted voice for the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and Secretaries of Defense Robert M. Gates and Leon Panetta.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Crawford graduated from Belmont Abbey College and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina.  He holds a Master of Laws degree in Ocean and Coastal Law from the University of Miami, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.  He was named an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow.

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