SIMA Executive Search is pleased to announce that Judson University’s Board of Trustees approved Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. as the institution’s sixth university president. Dr. Crume assumed the role of President on May 10.
Before coming to Judson, Dr. Crume served as an independent consultant working with institutions such as Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the Peru State College Foundation (Nebraska) on issues related to external relations and strategic planning. Dr. Crume spent a significant portion of his career at his alma mater, Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he served as the Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association and taught as an adjunct instructor. His career also includes serving as Executive Vice President and Assistant Professor at Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) and President of the Indiana State University Foundation.
“We are excited by the diverse leadership experiences, exceptional organizational gifts and vital Christian commitment that Dr. Crume will bring to the Judson community,” says Mrs. Carol Thompson, Board Chair and a 1977 Judson graduate.
SIMA Consultants Tommy Thomas and Laura Coverstone assisted the Judson Search committee with this process. “SIMA was an invaluable partner throughout the entire presidential search. Not only were Tommy and Laura exceptional in connecting us with a large number of strong prospects, they also provided wise counsel and guidance in the various stages of the process. The search team and I are exceedingly grateful for their expert consultation.” Crume added, “I am deeply appreciative the colleagues at SIMA. Their servant-leader approach and professionalism encouraged me as a candidate, and their accessibility made my preparation throughout the process much more meaningful.”
While at Midland Lutheran College, Dr. Crume served on the President’s Cabinet and was operationally responsible for admissions, athletics, constituent relations, development, financial aid and marketing. He served as chief development officer and led efforts that resulted in a 13 percent increase in annual gift revenue during his tenure. He oversaw student recruitment and admissions and successfully created strategies for targeted communications, opening new markets, embracing new technologies and creating a recruiting approach that involved the entire campus community. A few of his accomplishments while in this role include the establishment of an educational partnership with Mwika Lutheran Bible College in Tanzania, Africa; service as co-advisor of the Anderson Leader Scholars, the highest scholarship award; and leadership of the college-wide Strategic Planning Committee.
“Dr. Crume’s expertise in multiple facets of higher education will ensure that our students continue to enjoy the very best educational opportunities as well as the close-knit, Christian community that is so unique to Judson,” comments Thompson.
Dr. Crume grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and his Master’s degree in Communications from Western Kentucky University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Education with a minor concentration in Organizational Leadership from the University of Virginia. Throughout his career he has been committed to passing on his experience and knowledge by serving as assistant professor or adjunct instructor for classes in business, public relations and communications at several institutions, including Western Kentucky University, Indiana State University, Midland Lutheran College, Mars Hill College and the University of Virginia. Dr. Crume has authored articles for national magazines, newspapers and academic journals.