Cox Earns 2026 SU Distinguished Faculty Award
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---“A doer,” someone with “immense energy and positivity,” and someone who “continues to practice the craft they teach” is how colleagues describe Dr. Jennifer Cox, Salisbury University’s 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award honoree.
The highest honor given by faculty to faculty is awarded to an SU faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, professional development, and service. Cox is a professor of communication in SU’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton school of Liberal Arts.
Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of the Fulton School, described Cox as “an outstanding scholar, teacher, and mentor to students, and [she] has an enduring commitment to campus and community engagement.”
In the classroom, Cox has taught an array of courses while individually mentoring many students, always leading by example through intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to ethics and excellence.
Her teaching has earned her multiple national honors and awards for its impact and innovation, most recently first place in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s (AMJEC’s) “Teaching News Terrifically in the 21st Century” competition.
Cox also has partnered with community organizations to create immersive, experiential learning opportunities that give students real-world experience. Students in her classes are encouraged to engage with the world around them, not simply stay behind a desk.
“She is an excellent instructor who … provides students with an essential bridge to the professional world and to life as engaged citizens,” said one colleague in her nomination. “Students attest to the rigor of her classes yet appreciate the opportunities provided that enable them to go beyond the classroom through carefully cultivated relationships with community organizations.”
Her impact on students is equally evident.
“I completed six of her courses, and she was constantly challenging her students to be innovative and active within the local community,” said one student. “She always had my best interest at heart and prepared me for the realistic road ahead.”
Cox has authored two books, 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, three book chapters, and 15 additional publications. She also has presented 30 competitive papers and delivered 34 additional professional presentations.
“Her scholarship offers an excellent example of the marriage of research with the University’s emphasis on student-centeredness, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. James Burton, chair of the Communication Department.
Cox’s service to SU and the broader community also has been extensive.
“Beyond a doubt is her impressive and enduring commitment to campus and community citizenship, with active and impactful engagement at the department, school, university and community levels,” said Pereboom.
Cox rebuilt the Fulton School’s international internship program, successfully placing 16 students in global professional experiences across five countries. She also has provided leadership for the department’s study abroad program.
She is active across campus, serving on multiple University-wide committees, and was president of SU’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society, for the past decade.
In her role as associate chair of the Communication Department, she spearheaded the creation of a new departmental assessment process as part of its academic program review. Following the review, she led the initiative’s marketing and recruitment committee, and coordinated initiatives that contributed significantly to increased student involvement and enrollment.
Soon after arriving at SU in 2011, Cox established the University’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s broadest-based professional journalism organization. Since then, she has continuously mentored student members and provided them with numerous opportunities to attend and network at national conferences and other professional events.
Celebrating its 39th year in 2026, the Distinguished Faculty Award has been bestowed upon 81 faculty. Cox will be added to an honor roll listing all recipients since the award was established.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.