Gene's Background

Gene was installed as the sixth president of Judson University (Elgin, Illinois) on October 24, 2013. He led the University through its first comprehensive strategic planning process, resulting in Shaping Our Future: The Strategic Plan for Judson University, 2014-2019. During his tenure, he has secured significant financial support for operations and scholarships. Overall enrollment has increased by 5% and over a half dozen new academic programs have been developed.

Before being at Judson, Dr. Crume served in a variety of positions for a number of institutions of higher education, including Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, the Peru State College (Nebraska), his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University, Nebraska), and the Indiana State University.

Dr. Crume grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He joined the Foundation's board in October 2020.