James E. Crowfoot is Professor Emeritus of the U-M Natural Resources & Environment and Urban and Regional Planning Program (1972–1994)— a dual degree program with the U-M A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (Taubman College), and the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SNRE). He is also Dean Emeritus of the U-M SNRE (1982–1990), and was President of Antioch College (1994–1996). Prior to retirement, his work focused on processes of organizational and social change related to socio-environmental problems and social justice.

He joined the School for Environment and Sustainability in 1972 as an assistant professor of natural resources and urban and regional planning. He was promoted to associate professor in 1975 and professor in 1981. Professor Crowfoot served as dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability from 1983-90, guiding it through a challenging period of change and reorganization. During that period, he oversaw the design and implementation of major curriculum changes at all degree levels and presided over a budget reduction and downsizing of the school. He also established a new research division and fundraising program.

From 1989 until his retirement, Professor Crowfoot was director of the Pew Scholars Program in Conservation and the Environment. He was also a co-founder and active participant in the Program in Conflict Management Alternatives. In addition, Professor Crowfoot represented the School for Environment and Sustainability on numerous University-wide committees and served in a great many capacities within the school. Professor Crowfoot's teaching and research centered on conflict management in environmental and other social-change organizations; environmental education; and social inequities and justice.

Crowfoot, professor of natural resources and urban and regional planning and former dean, School for Environment and Sustainability, retired from active faculty status on July 31, 1994, following 29 years of distinguished service.