Dr. David Crawford, affectionately and respectfully referred to by his many students, colleagues, and friends as “Doc,” retired from Tyler Junior College last year after 49 years of dedicated service. During his celebrated career as a theatre arts teacher and director, he also served as the Speech and Theatre Department Chair from 1983 to 2009. Doc Crawford received his Bachelor’s Degree from North Texas State University (1973); his Master’s in Theatre from Stephen F. Austin University (1974); and his Doctorate from Texas Tech University (1987). Among his many awards, he was the Texas Educational Theatre Association Educator of the Year in 1996. He was the founding member and Executive Director of Texas Dramatists. Doc developed a multifaceted theatre program at TJC that has served as a model for programs across the country. He has published at least seven original plays. In his own words, Doc has “always considered my tenure as a ministry … to teach, enlighten, advise, and protect my students.”