Part of what makes Central MA so unique is its abundance of colleges and universities. And at each institution, there are professors, instructors, and coaches who go above and beyond simply dispensing academic fact inside the classroom; this special breed of educator becomes mentor, role model, and inspiration. It is these individuals whom we honor in Focus on Faculty. If you know a professor who should be featured in this section, please contact the Editor at ldean@pagioinc.com.

Assumption College’s Stuart Cromarty
By Alison Zawadski

Dr. Stuart Cromarty is easy going, polite and humorous. Upon introducing himself he joked, “Why would anyone want to write about me?” Well, the reason is that this past year, his love of marine biology, swimming and teaching have come together at Assumption College in a way that has brought new life to the school.

“I was always interested in marine biology growing up in South Africa,” said Cromarty, Associate Professor of Biology. Cromarty’s current research, along the same strand as his Ph.D., is the effect of steroids on the central nervous system of the American Lobster. He explained that the American Lobster is used as a study animal because of the small amount of brain cells it has. “The other major plus is that you can eat your study animal,” joked Cromarty.

Along with studying biology, Cromarty grew up swimming and began swimming competitively at age 12. He had hopes of competing in the 1980 and ‘84 Olympics for the South African team but was unable to swim because of the government’s apartheid policy. He later moved to Massachusetts to attend Boston University ~ where he was the captain of the swim team.

This year, he was able to add to his list of titles coach of Assumption’s first women’s swim team. Eight years ago, Cromarty had started a swim workout group for people in the Worcester area but it wasn’t until last year, when a student at Assumption approached the Recreational Sports department and requested that the school develop a swim club, that the first step in creating a team was taken.

“The first season was great considering the students were not recruited and all came to AC not expecting to swim competitively again,” said Cromarty with obvious pride for his team. Although the women were up against great odds, and it takes at least four years to develop a team that can be truly competitive, Cromarty is astounded with the progress and determination shown by his team in their inaugural season. And he has high hopes for the future of the team.

“I actually have a top ten recruiting list…so far five of the top ten have committed to Assumption College,” he said, excited about the challenges ahead. He also plans on adding diving to the team. To do this, they will use facilities and coaches at Holy Cross.

As a man who grew up in South Africa during apartheid, Cromarty offers a fresh look at diversity among New England colleges. “Diversity is important on any campus,” said Cromarty. “People get to see and experience how other people live, [how] racism is spread by ignorance of cultural differences.” He also applies this philosophy to his teaching. “I think, for me, I find that the most important thing I try to instill in the students is not to take anything at face value.”