202 AMY COX DESIGNING A NEW FOCUS Amy Cox focuses on safety and community as chair of the Department of Art and Design. Associate professor of art Amy Cox became the second woman to serve as department chair for the Department of Art and Design. Cox started her career at Harding as an adjunct professor in 2000, and was offered a full-time teaching position the following year. Beginning in 2005, Cox worked as program coordinator for the interior architecture and design program, while synchronously working toward her master’s degree. Cox said she was excited about becoming the new chair, and made safety measures relating to COVID-19 a top priority. “We have always had to be conscious of safety just because we deal with things like chemicals, paints and there is a lot of precaution that goes into making sure they use the equipment properly,” Cox said. “The virus adds a whole other layer, and that has been a huge emphasis for me right now.” When Dr. John Keller, former chair of the Department of Art and Design, stepped down from the position, he already had Cox in mind to succeed him. “She has wonderful organizational skills, and she is a good leader,” Keller said. “In fact, her MFA research largely focused on how to solve issues creatively with groups of people.” As chair of the department, Cox represented the administration, planned for the future, organized meetings and spoke with prospective students, while continuing to teach classes. Cox was involved in various projects around the community including contributions to Get Down Downtown, partnering with Think Idea Studio and establishing a capstone project for her students in their junior years. Cox and the department frequently presented community-based projects to the students. One of Cox’s students, senior Brent Johnston, said he had a great experience studying under her and was encouraged by her to participate in extracurricular opportunities within interior design. “As a teacher, she is very similar to that of a parent by loving to take care of us students as a team,” Johnston said. “She has always made sure we stay community-centered and community-minded.” story by Garcelle Hodge LEADERSHIP
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==