A true champion for Adams State University, Edward Crowther, Ph.D., emeritus professor of history, passed away on January 12, 2025, at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs from complications due to an injury.
Dr. Crowther directed his passion and impressive energy to Adams State students for nearly 40 years. He started his career as an assistant professor of history in 1988. After retiring as a full-time professor and department director, Dr. Crowther became a member of the Adams State University Foundation in 2018 and was appointed to the role of board chair in 2023.
“First, as a professor, and later as friend, colleague and mentor, Dr. Crowther left a significant impact on my life as an individual and professionally as an academic,” President David Tandberg, Ph.D., said. “He truly loved this University and was dedicated to its success. The arc of my life was indelibly impacted by Dr. Crowther. On behalf of the entire university, I extend condolences to his family and close friends. He will be sorely missed.”
The following is an excerpt from his 2018 retirement article, written by Julie Waechter
Along with sharing his passion for history in the classroom, Dr. Crowther volunteered as an assistant football coach and served as Faculty Senate president. His booming voice was often relied upon to call a crowd to attention, to announce graduates at commencement, to encourage football players, and to auctioneer at fundraising events. His annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day presentations always drew an appreciative audience.
“I was very lucky to earn a living pursuing a rather esoteric discipline, and to have the chance to teach it and work with students and colleagues,” Dr. Crowther said.

From 1998 until he retired in 2018, Dr. Crowther headed the Department of History, Government, and Philosophy, renamed the Department of History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Political Science and Spanish in 2003. He simultaneously chaired the Department of Teacher Education from 2011 to 2017 and the Department of Human Performance and Physical Education in 2006-07. He also served with the Office of State Colleges in Colorado during 2002-03 as Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.
Dr. Crowther developed Adams State’s Master of Art in Humanities – History program in 2007.
His books include Southern Evangelicals and the Coming of the Civil War. He also is a co-editor of and contributor to the volume, The Enduring Lost Cause, which looks at how ideas that constitute the South’s Lost Cause have manifested themselves in 20th and early 21st century.
He earned his bachelor’s from Mississippi College and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in history, from Auburn University.