Charles Crutchfield

23 June 2023
By President Alison Byerly
Charles Crutchfield

I write to share the sad news that Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III ‘82 P’26, Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology, died on June 21, 2023, following a battle with cancer. A nationally renowned medical professional, Dr. Crutchfield was 62 years old.

Many Carleton pre-med students will remember Dr. Crutchfield from his 5-week spring term course, Human Cutaneous Biology, which he taught each of the past 20 years. He had a kind and encouraging spirit in the classroom, taking time to get to know each of his students and drawing joy in offering insights into the medical field through case studies, gathering other alumni MDs to share experiences, welcoming students’ questions, and sharing honest answers.

Described by peers as “unfailingly positive,” he urged each of the students in the course to follow their dreams, and he helped them see the different paths a physician’s career can take. He also hosted dozens of current students and recent Carleton grads for job shadowing or as interns in his dermatology practice in Eagan, MN. Notoriously generous, Dr. Crutchfield also made sure that pizza arrived for each class meeting, and for many years, he personally took the entire class out for a final celebratory dinner. Through his teaching and mentoring, his sense of humor, pride in his family, and love for his profession were apparent and inspiring.

As a student at Carleton, Crutchfield was a biology major, resident assistant, Carleton Student Association Senator, and KRLX DJ.

A second-generation doctor living in St. Paul, Crutchfield received his MD and master’s degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. In addition to his private practice and teaching at Carleton, Dr, Crutchfield was a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and was very active as a leader in the medical profession and in his community. Among these engagements was serving as the health editor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He was recognized as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the U.S. by Black Enterprise magazine, and Minnesota Medicine magazine heralded Dr. Crutchfield as one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield was also an officer for the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. In 2022, Dr. Crutchfield received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Carleton Alumni Association.

Details regarding a memorial service are yet to be announced. We offer our deepest sympathies to Dr. Crutchfield’s family, especially his son, Charles, a rising sophomore at Carleton. We know that Dr. Crutchfield will be missed by many friends, colleagues, and students as well.

Sincerely,
Alison Byerly

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Comments

  • 2023-06-26 20:14:59
    Fernán Jaramillo

    It was such an honor and a pleasure to know Charles. For the past twenty years I consistently heard from the students that took his course. They loved the course, but they especially loved Charles. They commented on his generosity and kindness, his intelligence, and devotion to medicine. Those who shadowed him or worked in his dermatology practice, thought themselves lucky. He was a tremendous inspiration, and his passing leaves us diminished. May he rest in peace.

  • 2023-07-07 08:36:42
    Kaitlyn Gerber '14

    I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Crutchfield's passing. I was lucky enough to take his class when I was a senior, and looked forward to his classes every week. Dr. Crutchfield was kind, enthusiastic, and funny, and had a gift for making cutaneous biology both interesting and fun. He always took the time to talk to students who were considering a career in medicine, and to get to know his students on a personal level. My thoughts are with his family.

  • 2023-08-22 14:12:28
    Leah Snidman '22

    Although I knew Dr. Crutchfiled for a short time, I looked forward to his class every day. He made students laugh and want to know him better. He clearly cared so much for his students and wanted to help them towards their futures in any way he could. He inspired us with his knowledge, passion, compassion, and skill for teaching. His love for his family was always evident, and my thoughts are with them.

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