With more than three months under his belt as Miami University’s 22nd President, Dr. Greg Crawford was inaugurated in true Miami fashion on Monday, Oct. 10th with a march starting at 2 p.m. and the inaugural speeches at 4 p.m.
In the welcoming portion of Crawford’s address, he stated “…we must overcome division by achieving what I call ‘meaningful connectivity,’ finding synergy and synthesis among the vast diversity in our world to solve problems. In the coming months and years, you'll hear me talk a lot about the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, partnership, inclusivity, community, unity, and society—all of which require and advance meaningful connectivity.” Crawford’s dedication to not only hearing, but listening to bridge gaps of communication between the Miami community and the outside world were apparent in his speech, just as they are in his public presidential blog, Crawford’s Corner.
In his blog, The World Needs Love and Honor, Crawford states, “We must aim to become a model of how to organize our community to reflect a healthy society that practices civil discourse. We don’t have to agree, but we have to be able to have conversations where we truly listen, with respect and a genuine desire to understand.”
President Crawford is following in the footsteps of former University President, David Hodge. According to Miami archivist Jackie Johnson, several past Miami University presidents have left significant legacies. Hodge, whose legacy was intended to transform the drinking culture at Miami University, instead installed a foundation and opened the doors to a profound undergraduate research program. Johnson also commented on the “builder” legacy of the Hodge’s predecessor, James Garland, “He came from OSU and really wanted to build everything…. He built the love and honor campaign to raise money, raised the highest amount of endowment they’ve ever had at the institution.” The question posed is: What is President Crawford’s intended legacy?
Only time tells. President Crawford has already emphasized his three endeavors with the university, which include transparency, diversity, and shared governance. Crawford, side by side with his wife, Renate, has already made a notable effort to visit all student organizations to establish a personal connection, from attending a MU Women’s Field Hockey game as a fan in the stands, to shaking the hands of all Panhellenic and Interfraternal Organizations at the Go Greek MU Football tailgate, to being attentive and concerned in hardship involving campus violence. Claire Wagner, Miami’s Director of News and Public Information has closely overlooked the President’s different behaviors and expressed how great of an impact Crawford’s background with servant leadership has affected his demeanor as President. “Courage, friendship, wisdom, and taking care of people” were all qualities that Wagner stated Crawford emulates. While past presidents have expressed the importance of similar values, Crawford has been the most vocal.
The inauguration concluded with a 5:30 p.m. reception on the front lawn of Millett Hall, and President Crawford elegantly moved into the end of his 103rd day as Miami University’s standing president.
