Oxford, OH – Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Milton D. Cox, PhD is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Education and Academic Advancement.
Milton D. Cox, PhD, has devoted his life to advancing higher education and fostering academic growth. With a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from DePauw University in 1961 and a PhD in mathematics from Indiana University in 1966, Dr. Cox has spent decades contributing to the academic community as a distinguished educator, researcher, and leader.
Dr. Cox founded and directed the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching at Miami University. There, through a Lilly Endowment grant in 1980, he developed the first faculty learning community (FLC), a Hesburgh Award-winning FLC for early-career faculty, and for 40 years he expanded and led the FLC Program at Miami University involving over 200 FLCs. Dr. Cox is recognized globally for his pioneering work in FLCs, which have redefined collaborative approaches to teaching and faculty development. His research and dedication have inspired educators worldwide, leading to innovative teaching practices that continue to impact academic institutions. By invitation, he has visited over 100 colleges and universities in the U. S. and abroad to establish FLCs on those campuses.
In 1981, Dr. Cox and his colleagues founded the international Lilly Conference on College Teaching, now in its 44th year. Dr. Cox was the Lilly Conference Director for 40 years. The Lilly Conferences now are held 5 times a year at different locations around the United States. Dr. Cox is currently presenting his research on communities of practice and systems convening at these conferences. To provide a venue for publishing the scholarship of teaching and learning across disciplines, in 1990 he founded the Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, a peer-reviewed journal that continues to publish the scholarship of teaching and learning with 4 issues a year.
At points in his career, Dr. Cox has drawn inspiration from mentors Dr. Clint Gass, DePauw University, Dr. Sandra Packard, Miami University, and Dr. Laurie Richlin, Claremont Graduate University, whose guidance helped shape his professional journey. He attributes his success to the support of his wife, Phyllis, and values the time they share together. He and Phyllis are currently co-teaching a course, “Experiencing the Craftsman Architecture of the Brothers Greene and Greene,” for Miami University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement.
Dr. Cox’s philosophy centers on the importance of collaboration and fostering relationships within and across academic communities. He believes in the power of collective progress and has made a lasting impact by building connections across boundaries that drive advancements in education. Dr. Cox has been recognized nationally as president of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honorary, receiving the C. C. MacDuffee Award for distinguished service. He is recipient of a Certificate of Special Achievement from the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education in recognition and appreciation of notable contributions to the profession of faculty, instructional, and organizational development.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cox remains committed to contributing to the field of higher education. He continues to publish research on Faculty Learning Communities, provide mentorship to the next generation of educators, and support academic institutions worldwide with innovative ideas and strategies.
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