Stephanie R. Cox, PhD
Dr. Stephanie R. Cox is a dedicated higher education professional and Assistant Professor in the School of Business and Management at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she has built a distinguished career grounded in teaching, leadership, and service. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Management with a specialization in Accounting from Walden University. Originally aspiring to become a certified public accountant, Dr. Cox discovered her passion for teaching after instructing her first adjunct class in the late 1990s. Although she briefly attended law school, she ultimately chose to pursue a PhD and dedicate her career to academia. Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Cox has held a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean, demonstrating her strong expertise in academic administration and institutional development. She also contributed her skills to accreditation efforts during her tenure at Wiley University (formerly Wiley College) in Texas, where she supported both programmatic and institutional advancement. After this experience, she returned to her alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she continues to impact students through teaching and mentorship while focusing on business, accounting, and audit and risk management. Beyond her academic career, Dr. Cox is deeply committed to community engagement and women’s empowerment. She is a co-organizer of Woman Reclaimed, an initiative that provides free, holistic programming for women, addressing spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. In addition, she is a proud life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as Chair of the International Audit and Risk Management Committee. Guided by values of service, faith, and perseverance—instilled in her by her family—Dr. Cox continues to inspire others through her work in education, leadership, and community outreach.
• Walden University - PhD
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
• Woman Reclaimed
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the example set by my father, who worked two to three jobs to provide for our family while my mother cared for us at home. His dedication, discipline, and strong work ethic instilled in me a constant drive to stay productive and keep moving forward, shaping the way I approach both my personal and professional life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay focused on my purpose and avoid unnecessary negativity—especially the kind that can arise in places like the teacher’s lounge after class. Instead of getting caught up in complaint sessions, I was encouraged to go home, reset, and protect my mindset. This advice has helped me maintain a positive outlook, stay grounded, and focus on what truly matters in my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to always follow their dreams. Staying true to your goals and aspirations is essential, even when the path becomes challenging, because that sense of purpose will guide your decisions and keep you motivated.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that many valuable resources, trainings, and conferences come with significant fees, which can limit access for those who could benefit most. At the same time, this presents an important opportunity to create and expand free, holistic programming for women—making support, education, and empowerment more accessible and inclusive, as initiatives like Woman Reclaimed aim to do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, service to others, faith and spirituality, and a strong work ethic. These principles guide my decisions, shape how I show up for others, and keep me grounded and focused in everything I do.
Locations
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 North University, Pine Bluff, AR 71601