Chris Cox Named President of Tuscaloosa’s Shelton State Community College

Tuscaloosa's Shelton State Community College officially named Chris Cox as its full-time President Wednesday following a meeting of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

The Board met on Shelton's campus in Tuscaloosa Wednesday morning and approved a measure that removes Cox's interim status as President -- Cox has served in that capacity since former President Brad Newman was removed from his position in February.

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“Shelton State’s position in the state and in the academic community keeps the College
poised as one of the best foundations for student success and workforce development
in Alabama, so the College needs a leader like Chris to continue to strengthen its
standing as the community’s community college,” ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said in a press release. “Chris’ tenure at Shelton State has already proven to be a game-changer for the students, faculty, staff and workforce region. I’m thrilled to see what happens next for residents, schools and business partners who rely on Shelton State to deliver.

The press release touted Cox's career in education, which spans almost three decades and includes time in the administration of the ACCS, Northwest-
Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Bevill State Community College in
Jasper, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

Cox also has an extensive background in K-12 education at schools across the state.

“The opportunity to permanently join the Buccaneer Family is one of the highest honors
I can imagine,” Cox said. “The future of Shelton State is very bright because of the
excellence of our education and training programs, our outstanding faculty and
students, and our connections to the community we serve. We’re going to build and
strengthen partnerships with K-12 schools, business and industry, and other colleges
and universities so we can help our students and our community succeed like never
before.”

The community college is often overshadowed by the nearby University of Alabama, but Shelton is one of the largest community colleges in the Yellowhammer State, boasting roughly 7,000 enrollees and a wide variety of programs designed to help students prepare to transfer to four-year universities or earn certifications for work in high-demand, high-salary jobs.