He came to IPFW in August 1980 as part of the IU Labor Studies Program. "IU wanted labor studies faculty spread around the state to make access easy for the working people who needed the information," said Crouch. "That's how I came here."

      But "here" is a relative term when it comes to his work. "I lived out of a suitcase for years," Crouch said. "I might teach in Indianapolis on Monday morning, in Decatur that afternoon, in Auburn on Tuesday, Fort Wayne on Wednesday, and then Valparaiso or elsewhere on Thursday and Friday." That class schedule, plus time spent with labor leaders, kept him constantly on the go.

      The moments he holds closest are his conversations with individual workers. "I get those calls regularly. 'Can they do that to me? Should I hire a lawyer?' These people are scared," said Crouch. "I answer their questions and let them know their rights."

      For Crouch, shared respect between labor and management is the key. "It's all about respect. Whether we're making aircraft or educating kids, we all have a part to play."

      Looking toward the future, Crouch says he will continue doing some of his classes through the Workers Center, sponsored by Workers' Project Inc. "I'm going fishing, too," he added.