Lori Crawford named director of Engagement, Leadership, and Service

Lori Crawford, who has served as associate director of Engagement, Leadership, and Service since 2023, has been named director of Engagement, Leadership, and Service (ELS) at the University of Georgia. Crawford has been serving as interim director of ELS since June 1.   

The Department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service develops, implements and promotes a wide array of opportunities for student involvement in registered student organizations, leadership development, community engagement and service, student activities, student media, and student governance.

In this role, Crawford will serve as a valuable resource for the UGA community and as a thought leader in advancing overall student engagement. She will report to Dean of Students Eric Atkinson and serve as a member of the leadership team for the Division of Student Affairs.

Atkinson expressed his excitement for Crawford to enhance her leadership role.

“Lori has been a proven leader in growing and enhancing student engagement at UGA,” said Atkinson. “Colleagues in the division and across campus know and trust her commitment and expertise in this work, and we’re excited to support her continued leadership in the director role.”

Crawford spoke to student service and Engagement, Leadership, and Service’s charge to continue providing the exceptional co-curricular learning opportunities and environment for which UGA is nationally recognized.

“UGA students are known for their commitment to the university community,” Crawford said. “Our job is to provide as many exceptional opportunities, as possible, and the students bring the real magic with their creativity, passion, and leadership. UGA is special because of our students.”

Crawford’s appointment is effective September 1.

As director, she will facilitate the successful execution of four key areas: student engagement, student activities, community engagement, and leadership. The areas include signature programs such as the University Union Student Programming Board, the Student Government Association and Graduate Student Association, the student-run WUOG radio station, the Pandora yearbook, Homecoming, ServeUGA, IMPACT service breaks, Leadership UGA, and ELS Peer Leaders, among many other engagement opportunities.

Crawford will continue to build on initiatives, such as expanding leadership and community engagement opportunities and efforts to improve access to student engagement experiences.

She desires for university educators and supporters of students to recognize all involvement as contributing to student learning.

“From the moment they arrive on campus to the moment they celebrate at graduation, students are engaging in a learning experience,” Crawford said. “As alumni continue to testify, many of these co-curricular experiences are key contributors to the value of their degrees and their continued success.”

Crawford brings a wealth of expertise in student affairs and student activities and involvement, serving nearly 15 years in various roles at UGA, the University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland, and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority’s executive office.

She will be pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in learning, leadership, and organizational development from the University of Georgia. She holds a Master of Education in higher education and student affairs from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Longwood University.

Writer: Stan Jackson, 706-542-1793, ugastan@uga.edu
Contact: Eric Atkinson, 706-542-3564, atkinson@uga.edu