Reatha Cox has been named vice president for the Student Experience at Northwestern State University effective July 1. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Cox replaces Frances Conine who is retiring.
“I have worked with Reatha for more than 30 years and she has always endeavored to see each student gets the most of their time at Northwestern,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio. “She is known for her energy and enthusiasm and works tirelessly to let students know about available resources that can assist them. Reatha also has a gift for recognizing potential in students and giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills which serve them for the rest of their lives.”
Cox will lead the areas responsible for enrollment including the Offices of Admissions, Recruiting and Financial Aid. The vice president for the student experience also supervises offices in student affairs including the Offices of Accessibility and Disability Support, the Career Center, Counseling Services, First Year Experience and Leadership Development, Fraternal Leadership and Civic Engagement, Health Services, Student Activities and Organizations, Student Development, Student Support Services and the Friedman Student Union.
“I’m excited to serve the university and our students in this new role,” said Cox. “Our Student Experience team is dedicated to providing exciting and innovative programs and services to support the academic and personal goals of our students. I’m looking forward to working with students, faculty, staff and stakeholders as we elevate the student experience at NSU.”
Cox has served as director of Student Affairs since 2018, leading and managing several areas in Student Affairs. She has been a member of Northwestern State’s staff since 1988. She earned a bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in student personnel services at NSU. Cox was executive director of the First Year Experience and Leadership Development from 2013 to 2018, providing leadership and oversight to Freshman Connection, the university orientation program for first-year students and upper class mentors.
From 2007-13, she was director of Student Life and New Student Programs after serving as director of Student Success and New Student Programs from 2003-07. Cox was director of New Student Programs from 1999-2003 and assistant director of Student Activities and director of Greek Life from 1992-99. From 1988-92, she was an admissions counselor and recruiter.
In 2020, Cox was recognized as the Outstanding Staff Member of the Year by the University of Louisiana System which includes nine regional state universities. She received the Academy of Country Music Awards Volunteer Leadership Award in 2018 and received the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society Executive Director’s Advisor of the Year Award in 2016.
Cox has made numerous presentations to state, regional and national conferences on subjects including student leadership, the value of honor societies and Greek life. She is active in a variety of professional organizations, university committees and community activities.
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