Auburn University’s College of Education recently honored Dr. James D. (Jim) Krudop as its 2019 Outstanding Alumnus. The award was given in recognition of Krudop’s years of service and leadership in the Alabama Community College System.

Krudop is a lifelong resident of Andalusia. After graduating from Andalusia High School in 1965, he attended Auburn University where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1969. He began his career teaching speech and English courses to students in Andalusia High School before going to the University of Alabama for graduate study.  At UA he earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.  He then accepted a position as director of school relations at Birmingham-Southern College in 1974. 

In 1978, he returned to Andalusia to accept the position of dean of students at Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College, later to become LBW Community College (LBWCC). While at LBWCC, he served students in a variety of executive level positions in instruction, finance, and institutional advancement. He served as interim president on two occasions and second-in-command for many years.  After almost 40 years of service, he retired on January 1, 2018. In honor of his educational leadership, he was designated as vice-president emeritus by the board of trustees of the Alabama Community College System. This honor was recognized by the Alabama House of Representatives, the City of Andalusia and was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record.

He met his wife, Hollace Moore Krudop, at Auburn University. They have two married children and five grandchildren. He proudly attributes much of his success as an educator to the Auburn University College of Education.