911爆料网鈥檚 fourth president, Dr. Vernon O. Crawley, died on May 30, 2026. He led the college from 1991 to 2012, when he retired from higher education.
鈥淥n behalf of the Moraine Valley community, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, especially his wife, Mrs. Betty Crawley, who has graciously represented Dr. Crawley at many important college events over the years,鈥 said Dr. Pamela J. Haney, college president. 鈥淲e will continue to keep them in our thoughts during this difficult time.鈥
Crawley鈥檚 legacy is woven into the fabric of Moraine Valley. During his tenure as president, his visionary leadership transformed the college. He led the successful passage of an $89 million capital bond referendum that expanded the campus from the last temporary trailers to the sprawling grounds that exist today. In 2009, the college named its Vernon O. Crawley Science Hall after him. He also oversaw the opening of the college鈥檚 two extension centers in Blue Island and Tinley Park, and in the last 10 years of his presidency, guided the college to a 25% enrollment growth. His focus on student success continues to shape the experiences of students, faculty, staff and the community.
His commitment to excellence elevated Moraine Valley鈥檚 reputation on the national stage and positioned the institution as a leader in higher education. He served on the board of several noted national organizations, as well as state and local organizations, and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his 21-year presidency. In 2012, Moraine Valley created the Vernon O. Crawley Leadership Award in his honor to recognize staff who demonstrate his shared leadership qualities.
鈥淒r. Crawley鈥檚 lasting contributions continue to guide and inspire our work today. While his accomplishments as president were remarkable, those who knew him also will remember his integrity, wisdom and unwavering dedication to students and education,鈥 Haney said. 鈥淭he loss of Dr. Crawley will be deeply felt throughout our campus community.鈥
Crawley is survived by his wife, Betty Wood Crawley; three children Alan, Vonda and Keith; and three grandchildren, Joshua, Julian and Jason.
Visitation for Crawley will be Thursday, June 11, from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Son鈥檚 Funeral Home, 9000 151st St. in Orland Park. The funeral will be Friday, June 12, at Christ Church Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road. He will lie in state at 10 a.m., and the service will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. His obituary can be viewed on the .
Moraine Valley also plans to host a memorial service for Crawley on its campus in the fall.
For news media inquiries, contact Jessica Crotty, chief marketing and communications officer, at crotty@morainevalley.edu or (708) 974-5286.
