Crawford to join BGSU as executive in residence

Longtime sports broadcaster and Bowling Green State University alumnus Jay Crawford will join the University as an executive in residence later this fall.

“Jay has left his mark on the sports and communications industry and we are so pleased that he has agreed to share his wealth of knowledge with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” said BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey.

Crawford is well known in the sports industry, from anchoring ESPN’s SportsCenter to calling the Little League World Series. He earned a Bachelor of Art in radio, television and film from BGSU in 1987. As an executive in residence, Crawford will share his expertise with students and faculty in the School of Media and Communication, in the Department of Sport Management and with student-athletes.

“When students ask about colleges, I always push BGSU,” Crawford said. “My experience here was a springboard to my career. Being asked to come back to the place where I learned so much, and met my wife Tracy, is an honor.

“I am excited about the future of Bowling Green State University and eager to give back to students pursuing careers in media, communication and sport management.”

The executive-in-residence program will feature mentorship opportunities, classroom lectures and special event appearances.

“I am excited about the future of Bowling Green State University and eager to give back to students pursuing careers in media, communication and sport management.”

“BGSU offers a world-class educational experience both inside and out of the classroom, with faculty who shape critical thinking skills and staff who empower students to become leaders,” Mazey said. “That experience is enhanced by our executive-in-residence program, which brings thought leaders and industry experts to campus to enrich student learning, aid in faculty development and engage with alumni.”

Crawford served as the sports director for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, notably covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Championship in 2003. He was also the sports director for WBNS-TV in Columbus and served as a weekend sports anchor for WTIC-TV in Hartford, Connecticut. He began his sports television career in 1987 at WYMT-TV in Hazard, Kentucky.

His professional achievements include winning four regional Emmy Awards, the Best Sportscaster Kentucky AP Award and three SPJ Best Sports Program Awards. Crawford has been a Children’s Miracle Network host and has contributed time to Special Olympics.