Laura Crownover started at UCSB on March 27th 1979, the day after spring break ended, as a Senior Typist Clerk for UCSB Extension working in the promotions area. After a year in Promotions she moved into Course Approvals where she worked with various campus departments seeking approval to offer various courses through UCSB Extension. During her time working in Course Approvals she took part in a campus mentorship program where she learned of student advising by assisting the advisors in the Psychology Department. Through this program she determined that student advising was the area she wanted to pursue and in 1984 she took the Graduate Program Assistant position in the Drama Department. In 1989 she took the Academic Affairs Manager position in Chemical Engineering, a position she has stayed in for the past 27 years, showing unwavering dedication and commitment to the success of our students.
Throughout Laura’s 27 years in Chemical Engineering she has been an integral part of the department for students and faculty alike, a fact that is clearly reflected in their interactions with and admiration for Laura. The commitment and care she shows to the students she works with is unparalleled. Not only advising and guiding them in their educational career and course requirements, but also getting to know each of them on a personal level. Laura’s level of personal connection and dedication to students is a critical and defining component of the Chemical Engineering Department. Professor Scott Shell described it best, saying: “[Laura] is, in no uncertain terms, a cornerstone of Chemical Engineering education at UCSB.”
In addition to her work advising students, Laura also brings her vast knowledge and sage advice to her interactions with the Chemical Engineering Department’s faculty and staff, who frequently consult her on a broad range of topics relating to the department and the university as a whole. Laura’s expertise is second to none, and she has seeming encyclopedic knowledge of the policies and administrative procedures relevant to our students and programs.
Fittingly, this year, Laura has also been named one of the recipients of the 2016 Margaret T. Getman Service to Students Award. This annual award recognizes university staff, faculty, and administrators who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the overall growth and development of students; who consistently strive for excellence in their support of students; and who have a commitment to the improvement of the quality of student life. These are qualities that Laura personifies on a daily basis, and the department is thrilled that she was selected as one of this year’s recipients.
Following her retirement at the end of June, Laura plans to enjoy her first summer vacation since high school. Eventually she would also like to travel, visit family, and volunteer. But for now she plans to take life as it comes, and maybe even sleep past 5:30am!
