Dr. Tara Cox, an associate professor in the Marine Sciences Program at Savannah State University (SSU), has been honored with the Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair, recognizing her exemplary contributions to education and student success. This prestigious award, established in 1968 by the Callaway Foundation, Inc., aims to enrich academic programs at select Georgia colleges by supporting distinguished faculty members. Dr. Cox is the second professor from SSU to receive this accolade, following Dr. Hanes Walton Jr. in 1972.
SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander praised Dr. Cox’s dedication, stating, “Professor Cox is an outstanding professor who excels at teaching and developing strong bonds with her students as she guides them in learning and research.” Dr. Cox’s research focuses on the conservation biology and ecology of large marine vertebrates, particularly bottlenose dolphins. Since 2009, her active research lab has provided invaluable experience to hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as interns. She also serves as the assistant scientific program director at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission in Bethesda, Maryland.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Cox remarked, “Establishing this endowed chair at an HBCU will inspire future generations, enhance the quality of the science, and will greatly benefit our flagship marine sciences bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at Savannah State University.” SSU’s Marine Sciences Program has a notable history, having produced over 100 master’s degree recipients since its inception in 2002. Notably, SSU is the nation’s top producer of Black marine science master’s graduates from 2002 to 2021. The program boasts a 96% employment rate in STEM fields among its graduates, with 23% pursuing doctoral or professional degrees.
The Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Trust continues to support exemplary educators like Dr. Cox, honoring the legacy of Georgia native and textile industrialist Fuller E. Callaway Sr., whose profound interest in education led to the creation of this enduring initiative.
