A Natchitoches native and 1961 graduate of Natchitoches High School, Crew earned his bachelor’s degree at NSU in 1965 and his Master’s of Education at Northwestern State in 1968.
A classroom teacher in Caddo and St. Mary’s Parishes from 1965 until 1970, Crew later held several high-profile positions with the Louisiana Department of Education, including supervisor, assistant director, and director of the Bureau of Higher Education and Teacher Certification; director of the Bureau of Continuing Education; and deputy superintendent.
He also served on numerous evaluation teams for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.