Dr. Gene Crume
Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. was named Judson University’s sixth president in February 2013. Dr. Crume started his service at Judson in April 2013, and his formal installation as President was October 24, 2013.
Since arriving at Judson, Dr. Crume led the University through its first comprehensive strategic planning process. The Board of Trustees approved the plan, Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Judson University, 2014-2019, in February 2014. He has also helped secure $11.84 million in gifts from individual donors since arriving at Judson in support of the strategic plan. During his tenure, a half dozen new academic programs have been developed including RISE – Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment for differently abled students to obtain a college certificate. Judson has also launched men’s volleyball, football, and men’s and women’s bowling under Dr. Crume’s leadership.
Dr. Crume has served on the boards of several local and regional organizations. He is Vice Chair of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, an advocacy organization that represents the public policy interests of Illinois’ non-profit colleges and universities. He is a board member for the Associated Colleges of Illinois, which supports liberal arts and sciences universities to help underserved students succeed in college and life. He is also a board member of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Within the Elgin community, Dr. Crume is a board member of the award winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra and has served on the board of the United Way of Elgin.
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.
Dr. Crume grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and 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 served as an assistant professor or adjunct instructor for classes in business, public relations and communications at several institutions. He enjoys teaching one class each semester at Judson.
Dr. Crume is married to Cindy Smith Crume of Bowling Green, Kentucky, also a Western Kentucky University graduate. The Crumes’ daughter Allie and her husband Grant are educators in Atlanta, Georgia. Their son Gene III graduated from Judson in December of 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and Entrepreneurship. He is currently enrolled in an Audio Engineering program with Judson partner Dark Horse Institute. He and his wife, former Judson student Mika Kleinkort, live in Franklin, Tennessee.
Campus News
The Heal Elgin two-day free clinic is back for the fourth year on October 8-9, 2022. The free clinic will provide dental, vision, and medical services to patients on a first-come, first-served basis at Judson University, Lindner Fitness Center, 1151 N. State St, Elgin, Illinois. All services are free and no ID is required. The
Keep Reading “Heal Elgin Free Clinic Returns”
Judson University honored alumni for exemplary work in their careers, churches, and communities during the annual Alumni Banquet and Alumni Awards Ceremony held on September 23 as part of its Homecoming celebrations. The Alumnus of the Year Award is given to recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to the Church and to society. The
Keep Reading “Judson University Honored Alumni During Homecoming Weekend”
Judson University inducted four new members into the 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming and Family Weekend on Saturday, September 24, during a ceremony held on campus. The class included Vusa Nkomazana (Men’s Soccer 1999), Landon Skinner (Men’s Basketball, 2012), Lana Rasmussen (Women’s Volleyball, 1998), and Matt McHenry (Baseball, 2012). Vusa Nkomazana (not pictured)
Keep Reading “Four Athletes Are Inducted into Judson’s Athletic Hall of Fame”
Judson University welcomes nine incoming freshmen and new members to the Judson Roeser Scholars Program. For the ninth year, the program provides leadership training and financial aid to students based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and financial need. The 2022-23 Judson Roeser Scholars are (front row, left to right) Aiden Arnold of Ipswich, Mass., Hana
Keep Reading “Judson University Names Roeser Scholars for 2022-23 School Year”
Judson University’s annual Network Night event will take place on Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m., as part of the 2022 Homecoming and Family Weekend Celebration! The speaker for this year’s event will feature Michael Parker, president of uniball Corporation, a division of uni Mitsubishi Pencil Company and a worldwide leader in quality writing instruments
Keep Reading “Executive Leader Mike Parker to Speak at Network Night”
(ELGIN, IL – September 20, 2022) National recognized leader in Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Judson University at the university’s Founder’s Day observance on October 21. The honorary degree is conferred on a person who has distinguished themselves in the political realm, or in the
Keep Reading “Dr. Thomas C. Meredith Will Receive an Honorary Degree from Judson University”