In this conversation, Crawford spoke with Arkansas Alumni Association Membership Intern Caroline Morton about the importance of membership and staying connected with your alma mater.
What does membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association mean to you?
I became a life member a couple years after joining the Alumni Association because I wanted to have ties back to the university. I thought if I joined, I could build my network all over the world, and overall, the association is very welcoming to me and my family.
What membership benefits are the most important to you?
I’m from Dallas so when I come up for games, I really enjoy alumni tailgates because I want to be in the game day festivities. Years ago, Arkansas took a break from playing A&M in Dallas, so I brought my in-laws up to Fayetteville for the first time. My mother-in-law loved the alumni association tailgate and was floored by everyone’s friendliness despite her wearing Aggie gear. I also enjoy the opportunity to connect with other military members through the alumni association tie.
What is your favorite alumni event or activity? 
I love the Alumni Association tailgates and Friday night pep rallies. I took my daughters and wife to the pep rally before the Homecoming game, and they got to see how rowdy the Greek theater can be. It is also crazy to see how the alumni tailgate has expanded over the years and now takes up the whole parking lot. I love being able to show my family the spirit of where I went to school.
What made you choose the University of Arkansas?
I grew up with my parents watching Arkansas sports and I was all in from the beginning. I truly did not consider anything else. I always remember wanting to come here and be a Razorback because of my family. Joining the military gave me the opportunity to do just that. I retire from the Air National Guard next year in March, and I will never be able to repay them for giving me the opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas.
What is your favorite place or memory from your time on campus?
My favorite memories on campus were definitely during fall. I wish I could be in Fayetteville right now to enjoy the weather and the leaves changing. Throughout college, I was an early bird from my time in the military. I took early classes so that I could work in the afternoon. I always remember loving my walk to Fulbright College with a cup of coffee in hand on a fall morning. I also enjoyed the hell out of Dickson Street.
Ella’s Table right there on campus is fantastic. When I’m up in Fort Smith for work, I’ll drive to Fayetteville just to eat breakfast there with some friends, and then I’ll head straight back to Fort Smith.
Did you have a specific mentor, class, or activity that enhanced your time on campus?
I had a mentor, but he probably wouldn’t claim to be – Dr. Ron Rainey in the Agriculture department. We are really close friends. He was involved in everything on campus, and he was completing his master’s when I was at the U of A. He privately mentored me and his ability to master his studies always really impressed me. He was able to live the full college life being involved in campus activities, sporting events, all while getting a master’s degree. He really did it all. I don’t know where he gets his energy from, but he still lives and breathes Razorback spirit with his family. 
How did the University of Arkansas prepare you for your career?
I was classified as a non-traditional student at the U of A because I served 5 years on active duty before I attended college. After living overseas in the UK for four years, I realized I had a passion for political science and law because I learned how different their government was from ours. I received a GI bill to come to Fayetteville and attend the University of Arkansas. Fulbright challenged me academically and taught me to have a strategic mindset of the bigger picture. I learned a lot about US politics but also international politics, which later helped with my military career. Because of my rank, I often had to meet with senior leaders from other countries, so having a basis of education on politics and law from Fulbright prepared me to be able to interact with these leaders and represent myself well.
How have you introduced the University of Arkansas to the next generation of Razorbacks?
I have two daughters who are 8 and 9. At home, they get a full dose of Arkansas love from me. They get their Aggie love too from their mom and her side of the family. My daughters have always known about the U of A because of visiting my mother who lives in Hot Springs. Since they are pretty young, I have only started introducing the concept of attending the University of Arkansas to them over the past few years. Their first-time visiting Fayetteville was at the Homecoming game this year. They got to watch me flyover the stadium before the game, so that was pretty cool for them to get to see. I would love it if one of them attended the U of A in the future.
Why is staying connected with the University of Arkansas through things like flyovers before games and alumni tailgates important to you?
For me, it is important to show that I haven’t forgotten my roots. My success is all based on the University of Arkansas. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and skills it has given me. I love coming back and visiting too – it’s just like coming home. I get to Fayetteville and feel at ease and can slow down to enjoy life a little more.
