Montevallo Outdoor Scholars Program

William Crawford is entering his 11th year as the Director of the Outdoor Scholars Program at the University of Montevallo.

Crawford also is the University of Montevallo's first ever head fishing coach. He is entering his 11th season as the head fishing coach.

During his time at the helm Crawford has grown the Outdoor Scholars Program to 115 students while building the UM fishing team into a national power. In the last 6 seasons the Montevallo fishing team has won 5 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles (21,22,23,24,25) and a runner-up finish in 2020.

Crawford has also directed the team to the 2025 Collegiate Bass National Championship, 2023 and 2025 Major League Fishing National Championship and the MLF National School of the Year title in 2021,2022 and 2024.

Under the direction of Crawford team members Easton Fothergill and Nick Dumke won the Bassmaster Team of the Year, which is awarded to the best team for the Bassmaster College Series season.

During Crawford's tenure the Outdoor Scholars Program was named the Alabama Wildlife Federation's 2017 Governor's Conservation Achievement Award as Conservation Educator of the Year.

Many students have started their careers in the Outdoor Industry after their time at Montevallo, largely in part of the great networking opportunity that are provided to the students of the Outdoor Scholars Program.

Crawford and University of Montevallo President Dr. John Stewart created the Outdoor Scholars Program to allow students an opportunity to stay involved with hunting and fishing while getting a college education, while introducing them to job opportunities in the Outdoor Industry.
The Tuscaloosa, AL native began his collegiate career at Faulkner State Community College playing baseball for the Sun Chiefs as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to the University of West Alabama. During his time with the Sun Chiefs he was selected All-Conference his sophomore season while helping his team to a conference championship.

Crawford is a 2006 graduate of the University of West Alabama, where he was a two-year letter winner. Crawford was an All-Gulf South Conference selection his senior year and helped lead UWA to back to back regional appearances and the Gulf South Conference championship in 2005. 

Crawford holds an Associates of Science from Faulkner State Community College, Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of West Alabama.

Crawford also serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation Shelby County Board, Alabama Farmers Federation State Wildlife Committee, and the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Advisory Council.
Crawford is married to his wife Audrey and they have two daughters, Allie Beth, Emma and one son, Easton.