By Katie Gaughan

Professor William Crowley is a retired FBI agent, a member of the Pennsylvania Bar, a Criminal Justice and Law professor at La Roche University, a husband, and father.

In an interview on October 26, 2023, Crowley discussed his vast work experience, the experiences that led him to La Roche, and how his numerous careers have prepared him for teaching. 

Crowley’s first job was dishwashing at a restaurant when he was 15. He stated in the interview that this was the hardest job he ever had. He said that working as the only dishwasher at the restaurant was so demanding that he could barely sleep at night. “I had to work double shifts for two weeks straight. It was overwhelming.”

One of the best jobs, Crowley said, was working for the FBI. “It was fantastic, I loved every minute of it. I never knew what I was going to do, and I was very rarely bored.” He recalled, “I was cold. I was tired. I was hungry. I was afraid,” and even the most tedious things never seemed pointless. 

Known for his interrogative teaching method, likely stemming from his FBI experience, Crowley utilizes the Socratic Method to help students grasp new information. This teaching style involves asking lots of questions about new and current material to keep students intrigued, but to also inspire questions of their own. 

The first time Crowley experienced this form of interrogation was in law school. He shared that he learned more information more quickly and liked the high of it. He said, “I like the fact that my classes always flew by because I was always paying close attention, and I remember being physically tired when I left, but I remember being able to recall the information really well.”

 He adopted the teaching style for his own classes because he has “an aptitude for being able to understand people and reading them, their body language, and I can get a good sense of whether my students are engaged.”

Crowley also played Division 1 baseball at the University of Connecticut. While there, he was awarded All-Star honors and the University of Connecticut Athletic Medallion for Athletic and Academic Achievement. 

When asked whether his experience as a student athlete determined his approach to teaching student athletes, he said, “It does. I think I’m very lucky to have had that experience and I think it helps me understand some of the challenges that an athlete has. I think, most importantly though, it helps me to understand when an athlete is using it [their sport] as a crutch. 

Teaching has always appealed to Crowley, as he once worked as a student teacher, taught while working for the FBI, and later pursued a university teaching position. He said, “even as an FBI agent I enjoyed teaching classes.” Professor Likar, a personal friend of his before starting at La Roche, asked if he would be interested in teaching as an adjunct. Crowley said, “I wasn’t sure but I was willing to try it and I found that I really enjoyed it.”

After experiencing a variety of careers, accomplishments, and demanding and high-pressure situations, one wonders if he ever gets nervous in the classroom. Crowley said, “I get nervous every time I go to speak. I get a little bit of butterflies.” He noted that he can’t expect students to bring energy to the classroom if he doesn’t. He creates energy and an exciting environment by being prepared and not wasting a minute of class time. “I have a certain mindset that I want to have when I start,” he said. 

Crowley also discussed the most rewarding job he has ever had. In regards to teaching full-time at La Roche he stated, “I really enjoy what I’m doing now. I like service and I still think I’m contributing to society because I really enjoy my students and when they’re successful, I share in that success. I very much want the best for them.” Teaching, he said, is very rewarding and enjoyable. He added that “it also wouldn’t have been as rewarding and enjoyable if I hadn’t been an FBI agent first. There were things that I had to do. It’s a journey.”

He said, “I’ve pretty much enjoyed everything I’ve ever done.”