All Eyes On: Hollis Crawford

Hollis Crawford is a master storyteller.

Crawford, the professor of Game Management and Harvest, knows how to keep an audience (and a class) entertained, whether it's the story of a rare deer sighting or just student encounters at the grocery store.

Between the lighthearted jokes and the deer anecdotes (similar to fishing tales), Crawford offers an imposing but comforting ambiance when teaching. With a friendly chuckle, Crawford shares ways to support conservation with students.

"Wildlife resources are very important to our state, and we've lost touch with our wildlife resources," he said. "We've lost touch with our more rural communities, and I think it's important that people understand about our living resources."

The professor was inspired by his first- and second-grade teacher, who held the same job Crawford later had. Crawford said he called the teacher his mentor, and even then he knew he wanted to work in conservation. This close relationship is mirrored by Crawford's relationship with his students.

"I consider you to be my kids, so I expect to speak with you at Wal-Mart," he said with a laugh during the first class of the semester.

In 1964, Crawford joined the Missouri Conservation Department and began teaching students twelve years later as a member of the Conservation Department.

In 2000, Crawford officially retired from his professional work as a conservationist in Missouri. Despite no longer having a formal connection with the Missouri Conservation Department, Crawford continues to teach students about the importance of conservation and natural resource management through the class, as well as work toward improving conservation while off the clock.

"We have lived and breathed conservation for years," Deleta Crawford, Crawford's wife, said. "Our youngest son works for the conservation department as well."

Dean Rosebery, a former head of Truman's science division, has worked closely with Crawford for years.

"I've always enjoyed talking with Hollis," Rosebery said. "To such an extent, we can talk about things besides wildlife."

Crawford's enthusiasm proves to be infectious, even to those who might not be interested in conservation.

"It's sharing the information to the students that's very important to me, so that it becomes important to them," Crawford said. "It's delightful to tell these students these stories and watch their eyes light up when they learn those stories about how many deer we had or didn't have, and how we got them back again."

With only two classes a week, the Game Management and Harvest instructor may not have the busiest schedule, but making each class meaningful to the students is just par for the course, he said. Crawford aims to leave a lasting impression on students through his teachings and stories and to inspire his pupils to help with conservation at every chance.