TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — During its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 8, the Alabama
Community College System Board of Trustees approved Dr. Chris Cox as President of
Shelton State Community College. Cox served as Interim President of the College since
February.
“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,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of
the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).
“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.”
Cox has nearly 30 years of K-12 and higher education administration experience. Prior
to his appointment as Interim President at Shelton State, he served as Special Assistant
to the Chancellor at the ACCS. He has served as an Interim President at Northwest-
Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Bevill State Community College in
Jasper, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.
A Geneva, Alabama native, Cox began his career as a teacher and coach at Dale
County High School in Midland City. He later served as Assistant Principal at Geneva
High School in Geneva and Principal at Pinedale Elementary School in Enterprise. Prior
to joining the ACCS, Cox spent time in Oxford, first as Oxford High School’s principal
and then as Assistant Superintendent for the Oxford City Board of
Education. Cox earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Troy State
University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Alabama State
University. Cox earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from
Auburn University.
Shelton State is one of Alabama’s largest community colleges, with around 7,000
students annually who enroll for academic instruction and workforce development
classes. With two academic sites in Tuscaloosa, the college is a prime choice for
students who want to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, as well as those
who want to earn a certification for work in several high-demand, high-wage job
opportunities in the region. The college’s student services provide a variety of resources
for students for both their academic and career success.
“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.”
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ABOUT ACCS
With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community
College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and
technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 144,000
Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree
programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the
Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings
directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community
College System Board of Trustees.
