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Cox will join the UW Oshkosh Counseling Center–located within the Student Success Center–April 14.

Sandra Cox will join the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Student Counseling Center as its new director on April 14.

Cox has more than sixteen years of experience in higher education, nearly seven of which she has served as director of the Eastern Illinois University Counseling Center.

“Sandy brings with her exceptional administrative, clinical, and crisis management skills,” said UW Oshkosh Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Petra Roter. “Sandy demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion and has developed broad-based and successful collaborations and partnerships on and off campus.”

Cox takes over the director role after the departure of Joe Abhold in late 2013. Abhold was appointed Dean of Students at UW-Eau Claire. UW Oshkosh Counseling Center staff members Kathleen Mueske and Mike Altekruse, served as the interim director and interim associate directors, respectively, and “continued the positive momentum and high quality of service and programs traditionally associated with the UWO Student Counseling Center,” Roter said.

Cox said she looks forward to working with the Counseling Center’s staff to “supporting and expand direct services and enhance opportunities for the Center to creatively and effectively impact the wellness of campus as a whole.”

“The Center has been doing great work in so many areas,” she said. “I hope to highlight and expand those successes on campus, regionally, and nationally.”

Cox brings experiences from many years in the field with her to UW Oshkosh. Not only has she served students through her role at Eastern Illinois University, but she’s also coordinated children’s and adolescent counseling and programming within the broader Fox Valley Community via a role at the Harbor House of Appleton in the early 90s. Additionally, her resume and outlined experience shows dedication to many initiatives, causes and committees that benefited students, faculty, staff and her greater community; she’s been involved with supporting a variety of important topics and issues, including campus safety, eating and mood disorders treatment, students with disabilities, minority affairs, retention and more. She also had experience serving on a variety of task forces that address topics such as sexual assault, violence prevention and safety.

“I chose to pursue this position because of the University’s and Center’s reputation for being student centered, inclusive, innovative and authentic,” Cox said.

“I was immediately impressed with how much the Center is devoted to serving all students while greatly appreciating the influence of student involvement in developing and implementing Center initiatives. I am excited to get to know each staff member and their passions and expertise.  I also look forward to the many collaborative relationships that are to come with my new colleagues.  I have received such a warm welcome before even coming to campus.  I couldn’t be any happier to say I am proud to be a Titan.”

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