-----------------~de~h~ PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR DAVID CROUCH HELPS SHARE THE STORY "/love the Christian environment with my colleagues and the student body. I also enjoy the vitality of the campus community," Public Relations Director David Crouch said. With a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, David Crouch was not a typical public relations professional. Crouch's teachers in high school told him that he should look for a career in the writing field because of his talents, but he decided to pursue his interest in science instead. Crouch and his wife moved to Texas the Monday after his graduation from Harding to teach science at Dallas Christian School. Crouch said Harding asked him shortly after the move, to work in the public relations office as the Director of News. As a student, Crouch had worked on The Bison newspaper for four years and was the editor his senior year. He also worked with the university's public relations department and said he had been approached then about working for the department eventually. Having been in the department for 43 years, Crouch saw many changes in the job. Crouch began as Director of News, then became Director of Alumni Relations for 13 years and, finally, became the Director of Public Relations in 1987. Crouch said Harding's public relations department had to adapt to the changes in the digital culture and the world of information. He said Harding had a great story to tell, and it needed to be communicated in the most effective way. "The digital era certainly changed the way I went about my job," Crouch said. "News about the school is now reported instantaneously. No longer do we wait days for press releases to be received. Of course we also now have Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other avenues for telling the Harding story." Due to Harding's growth over the years, programs were added and campus was expanded, and that meant many more stories for the PR department to report and promote. "I often tell people I have the best job on campus because I get to work with people in every area," Crouch said. "I have the opportunity to report on so many great things Harding students have done in the classroom, in the community and in their careers once they have graduated. On a very personal level, I enjoyed the opportunity I had to meet the 17 former heads of state who spoke on campus." According to Crouch, the public relations department was responsible for telling the stories of students, faculty and programs. "Nationally those in public relations are often portrayed as 'spin doctors,' spinning a story to fit the occasion and even altering the facts if necessary to make the story sound better," Crouch said. "I have tried to exhibit a different image in all of my work at Harding. Hopefully, I have given public relations a better reputation." Jordan Honeycutt Heritage Inn Manager Vickie Walton and senior student worker Matthew Brooks ensure guests are pleased with their stay at the university's hotel. The hotel was founded in 1989 and the building was originally used as Heritage men's dorm. Hillary Miller David Hall, new manager of the bookstore, helps sophomore Lilly Muhlenbruch select Harding apparel on Sept. 28. "It's different from anything I've done before, and I love it," Hall said. "I love being around the students and working in a place where I can make a difference." Chaney Mitchell Assistant VPs, Administrators & Directors 1199
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