Day one for Greg and Renate Crawford: Miami people, traditions

Dr. Gregory Crawford, Miami University’s 22nd president, begins his first day on the job today (July 1), with plans to meet informally with faculty and staff on Miami’s campuses in Oxford, Hamilton and Middletown.

Greg and Renate Crawford

The day includes coffee meet and greet sessions with the new president and his wife, Dr. Renate Crawford, at Miami Regionals. Faculty and staff are welcome to say hello 12:30-1:15 p.m. in the Johnston Hall lobby at Miami Middletown or from 2:30-3:15 p.m. in the Jack Rhodes study area of Mosler Hall at Miami Hamilton.

The Crawfords invite faculty, staff and students to a casual meet and greet at 4 p.m. in the Armstrong Student Center Pavilion. This evening, the Crawfords plan to experience treasured traditions at the Oxford campus. They will visit the sundial, the university seal, the Hub, Upham Arch, and Slant Walk.

In the months preceding his arrival, Crawford has met with hundreds of Miamians, including faculty, staff and alumni. “Those meetings escalated my enthusiasm about the opportunities for this outstanding university. Renate and I are excited and delighted to be here.”

Crawford said he plans to do a lot more listening and learning over the next several months as he works with Miamians locally, regionally and nationally to shape future priorities.

Summer plans for Crawford include ongoing meetings with faculty and staff, plus engaging with alumni locally and regionally at major events. He’s also looking forward to his first taste, literally, of Oxford as president when he serves as a judge for Oxford’s Fourth of July pie baking contest.

The Crawfords plan to help students move in August 25, and he will welcome the incoming class at Convocation August 26.

The presidential inauguration is Oct. 10.

To learn more about Crawford’s background, visit the Miami president website at www.MiamiOH.edu/president.