Walter Thompson Cox

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Walter T. Cox (photo courtesy of Clemson University)

President Emeritus Walter T. Cox (b. September 19, 1918 d. June 28, 2006) was a member of Clemson University's Class of 1939, and was the third alumnus to rise to the status of president (1985-1986). "Dean" Cox served Clemson in almost every role imaginable, from an offensive guard for the football team while a student, to the football team's line coach, from the baseball coach and ticket manager, to an assistant to the president and director of alumni affairs, from dean of students, to vice president for student affairs. Dean Cox devoted his life to Clemson, and even after his retirement was often seen around campus saying hello to fellow Tigers.

Biography

Walter Thompson Cox was born September 19, 1918 in Belton, South Carolina, the son of Walter T. and Grace Campbell Cox. He entered Clemson College in the fall of 1935, graduating with a degree in General Science in 1939. Returning in 1940 during a year of post graduate study, Cox anchored the offensive line while playing for the football team. The season was a success, as Clemson defeated Boston College 6-3 in the Cotton Bowl. It was the Tigers' first post-season appearance.

After serving in the United States Army during the years 1942-1943, Cox returned to Clemson. During the 1940s he served in a variety of athletic positions including assistant football coach, ticket manager, baseball coach, and IPTAY promoter. In 1951, he assumed dual responsibilities as Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs as well as assistant to President Robert F. Poole. In 1955 Cox was named Dean of Student Affairs (later Vice President for Student Affairs), a position at which he served until 1985. At the request of the Board of Trustees, he left the student affairs post in July 1985 to become Clemson's tenth president. He was the third Clemson graduate to assume the school's presidency, serving until Max Lennon took the position in March 1986. Cox officially retired in 1987, though he continued to be involved in development activities on behalf of Clemson University until his death in 2006.

Dean Cox was dismounting Old Glory at the end of Flag Day on June 14 at his home on Folger Street, when he took a fall that put him in the hospital and began his final decline. Walter Cox passed away on June 28, 2006 in Greenville, and is dearly missed by the entire Clemson family.

Cox married to former Mary Johnson in 1940. Together they had four children: Walter T. III, Frank, Grace, and William. After Mary Johnson Cox's death in 1985, Walter Cox was remarried to the former Jenelle Garrett Cox in November of 1986.

• Cox Plaza is named for President Cox.

• Walter T. Cox Boulevard, the portion of S.C. Route 93 that passes through the Clemson University campus, was named for him on June 17, 2002.