Moraine Valley’s beloved President, Dr. Vernon O. Crawley, passed away on May 30th, 2026 after a long illness. The Moraine Valley Faculty Associations sends its condolences to Dr. Crawley’s wife Betty Crawley and the family including Dr. Crawley’s and Betty Crawley’s 3 children and grandchildren.
Dr. Crawley was a tremendous leader of Moraine Valley for 21 years. He started his journey in 1991 becoming the 4th President of the institution with his beautiful wife Betty Crawley by his side until his retirement in 2012.
Working with different board members, the community, faculty and staff, Dr. Crawley oversaw and led a tremendous campus transformation. Under President Crawley, Moraine Valley became one of the most beautiful campuses in the state.
Dr. Crawley was the architect of new buildings and new structures on campus. He also led the growth of Moraine Valley with new campus sites in Blue Island and Tinley Park. Most importantly, he oversaw the growth of a tremendous reputation within the community, the county and the state.
Dr. Crawley had a tremendous relationship with the Moraine Valley Faculty Association dealing with different types of leaders with different personalities. He is a major reason why Moraine Valley is known throughout Cook County as Happy Valley. There was not always a healthy relationship with the college and it’s Faculty Association. President Crawley was instrumental in changing the environment and the relationship with the Association. His communication style was always positive, and his approach was always a win-win philosophy which played a major role in creating this Happy Valley.
Everyone in the Moraine Valley community, including the Moraine Valley Faculty Association, owe a great deal of gratitude to the great leadership style from a great leader. We honor Dr. Crawley and we will remember his tremendous contributions to Moraine Valley. Job well done sir; rest in peace President Dr. Vernon O. Crawley.
