Posted on 1/15/16
Early child education pioneer planted roots, grew wings during College’s growth period
Wye Mills, MD -- Growing up on a 300-acre farm in Cecil County, Judy Haggerty Crow - then known as Judy Haggerty - didn’t imagine her career path would take her full circle. Starting at Chesapeake College, Crow built a reputation as one of Delmarva’s early childhood education pioneers eventually opening Kent County’s first Winery business and “bringing me full circle to my humble roots: a share cropper’s daughter, back on the farm, except now I am an owner with my husband.”
Crow graduated with honors from Chesapeake in 1982 and earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Towson University. As the first in her family to graduate with a Bachelors degree, Judy credits her A.A. in Early Childhood Education as a monument and a stepping-stone for her life.
“My life paths have always brought me back to my roots at Chesapeake,” where Judy served 12 years as Chair of the Early Childhood Department, and still counts building the school’s Child Development Center (CDC) as her proudest accomplishment. She went on to work for the Delaware Department of Education and Delaware Tech, before launching Crow Farmstay B&B and Crow Vineyard and Winery in 2010 with her husband, Roy.
Judy’s two sons, Brandon and Russell Hoy, attended Chesapeake’s CDC during her tenure. Today, completing her circular journey from farm to early childhood education innovator, back to farm, they work alongside Judy and Roy supporting the family farm business.
Peake Proud: 5 Questions for Crow Farmstay B&B/Crow Vineyard & Winery Owner Judy Crow
Q: In 30 words or less, what was your standout Chesapeake experience?
A: My time at Chesapeake was one of anticipation and College growth. The faculty spirit was infectious and I recall this attitude was paramount with all adjunct and full time faculty.
Q: Which faculty or staff left the biggest impression during your time at Chesapeake?
A: Bill Seth was the Dean of Students. You never found him in his office, you found him in the areas where students gathered. He was the link between students and administration. This was a time when almost all the students were older and had other jobs and there was a huge nighttime presence at the college. You also saw him during the evening with students.
Q: What advice would you give your 20-year old self, knowing whom you are today?
A: The world is rapidly changing and as things develop, you need a set of core values to help anchor you. My core values are: faith in something greater, humor, honesty, gratefulness, and respect for fellow human beings.
Q: What one technology do you regularly use you wish was available when you were at Chesapeake?
A: I used a typewriter to prepare all of my papers so a computer would have been nice.
Q: Fill in the blank: Because of my time at Chesapeake, I am:
A: The first generation family member to graduate from college. Chesapeake embraced my ambition and encouraged me to strive for the best. The staff, faculty and students instilled a sense of pride in our personal and academic accomplishments.