Crawford receives state leadership award

PASADENA, Texas – Teri Crawford has been recognized by the Texas Association of Community Colleges with its highest leadership award, the Carl M. “Cheesie” Nelson Administrative Leadership Award, recognizing her commitment to San Jacinto College, Texas’ 50 community colleges, and their students. 

Crawford is the vice chancellor for external relations at San Jacinto College, a position she has held for nearly a decade. In this role she leads the College’s efforts in government relations, fundraising, marketing, and communications. 

“I was honored to nominate Teri for the Carl M. “Cheesie” Nelson Administrative Leadership Award and to recognize her commitment to the students and employees of San Jacinto College,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “Teri is an outstanding performer, contributor, and leader. She is always looking at the impact that legislation has not only on San Jacinto College, but all Texas community colleges. She has been an incredible resource for the Texas Association of Community Colleges and is very deserving of this award.” 

During the 88th Legislative session, Crawford played a significant role in advancing the work of the Community College Finance Commission and the ultimate passage of House Bill 8 (HB8). She was active in attending meetings and hearings, providing guidance to many legislators across the state about the impact of the legislation, and served as a resource for many Texas community colleges throughout the process. She also assisted in helping maintain the alignment and unanimity of the community colleges during the session. 

Crawford’s responsibilities include the College’s federal relationships. She regularly traveled to Washington D.C. and was instrumental in getting legislation approved to support a Center of Excellence recognition for the San Jacinto College maritime program and funding to support maritime, veterans and aerospace programs. She is regularly asked by Texas Gulf Coast community college presidents to assist in scheduling legislative visits and has been active with the American Association of Community College Trustees and the American Association of Community Colleges. 

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” noted Crawford, who plans to retire at the end of this month. “The success of our San Jacinto College students and employees is and has always been a priority for me. Having started my higher education with a community college scholarship, it has been incredibly rewarding to give back and work alongside so many individuals who have the same passion for advancing the community college mission. I thank Dr. Hellyer for nominating me, and the Texas Association of Community Colleges, for the recognition.” 

Locally, Teri works closely with key economic development organizations, ensuring that San Jacinto College and Texas community college priorities and legislative agendas align to ensure the best possible outcomes for the region’s workforce. Their collaboration and support were key in helping to make HB8 a reality in Texas. 

Crawford began her career in higher education at Texas A&M University at Galveston where she spent seven years in the areas of development, alumni relations, communications, and event planning. She was fortunate to travel around the world with the Maritime Cadets while promoting the university and managing international protocols. 

Crawford holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Arapahoe Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte, and an MBA from Liberty University. She is married and has two stepdaughters.