ACCS Board Approves Chris Cox As Shelton State President In Permanent Capacity

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted to approve the appointment of Interim Shelton State Community College President Chris Cox as the school's president in a permanent capacity.

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The measure was decided upon during the board's regular meeting on Wednesday, which was held in the Bean Brown Theater on SSCC's Martin campus.

Cox expressed his gratitude and referred to his role as one of the most important jobs in the community. He also spoke to working with area employers to improve the quality of life for all in the community.

"When I came here, I guess four months ago, sat in this room and really didn't know many people here and had no clue I was going to come here and be president and have served four or five months, it's gone by really fast ... the mission is so good and it's so pure, so it's a privilege to have this opportunity to serve."

The appointment is effective immediately and follows a nationwide search by the board of trustees.

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The new hire comes after previous Shelton State Community College President Brad Newman was relieved of his duties in February.

Cox, previously a special assistant to the ACCS chancellor, was named interim president immediately thereafter and has served in the role since.

A native of Geneva, Alabama, Cox previously served as interim president at Northwest-Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Bevill State Community College in Jasper, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

"We have a lot of work here, but we're going to get it done," Cox said, fighting through tears.

In an unrelated measure, Daniel Long was named the next president of Enterprise Community College. He will replace the late Matt Rodgers in the position.

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