Heather Crabbe named Assistant Dean for Professional Development at UC Law

Heather Crabbe has been appointed assistant dean for the Center for Professional Development at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. A seasoned legal professional with deep roots in the tristate area, she brings significant knowledge, experience and deep commitment to student success, social justice, and community building to the role.

“Heather's addition to our leadership team, in the fundamentally important role of assistant dean for the Center of Professional Development, is exciting and transformative,” said Haider Ala Hamoudi, Dean at Cincinnati Law. “Heather brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in higher education, both at the law school and university levels.  I am certain that she will leverage this experience to ensure that the University of Cincinnati College of Law is properly recognized as a leader among law schools in employment outcomes, and, more generally, as a place that is dedicated to the success of students, both within law school and after their graduation.”

This role perfectly aligns with Crabbe’s passion for developing the next generation of attorneys. She will be responsible for setting and implementing the strategic direction for the college’s career services division. Her duties will include engaging in career building activities at the local, state, and national levels that will promote the college and highlight the excellence of Cincinnati Law students.

Prior to joining Cincinnati Law, Crabbe was associate provost for academic support at Mount St. Joseph University, where she provided leadership to teams delivering direct services to students, including Library Services, the Career and Experiential Education Center, the Registrar’s Office, the Learning Center, Disability Services, Project EXCEL, and the Wellness Center. Before her tenure at Mount St. Joseph, she was assistant dean for students at Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where she provided academic counseling, oversaw the professionalism program, and represented the college at the state level bar committees.

Crabbe also served as outreach officer at NKU’s Chase College of Law, assisting with the development and implementation of recruitment and enrollment plans, as well as providing career development counseling for students and alumni. She has been an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan, teaching business classes in the area of ethics, the legal environment, and law and leadership. Additionally, she worked as a staff attorney for Kentucky’s Department of Public Advocacy, representing indigent clients.

Crabbe is dedicated to giving back to the community. She provides pro bono legal assistance through collaborations with the NAACP and independently; she also offers legal support to minority-owned businesses. She has authored or co-authored articles for publication in Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, The Advocate, and Studies in Law, Politics and Society.

Crabbe holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a juris doctor degree from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Lead photo: Mark Herboth; Crabbe photo: Mary Rose Jacobi Photography