Staff Update: Audrey Cox, Retention Specialist

SNHS is excited to welcome Audrey Cox. Audrey is our new Retention Specialist.

Tell me about your role. Who should contact you? Why? How can they reach you? What are you currently working on?

I am the Retention Specialist for the ABLE (Advancing BIPOC Learning Engagement) Nursing Progression Project. This federally funded (HRSA) project supports BIPOC nurses who want to pursue population or public nursing, and/or nurse education. Anyone with similar interests in inclusion and/or healthcare is welcome to contact me! My email address is acox3@uw.edu.

What are you looking forward to as you connect with SNHS alumni and supporters?

I am looking forward to collaboration and building congenial relationships with colleagues!

What impact does your work have on healthcare in the region?

I have been in higher education, as an academic advisor mostly for schools of nursing, since 1996, and although I have loved every moment of my career, this is the first time I have felt that my efforts can have a global impact. The social determinants of health have become prominent points of discourse especially during this pandemic, and I believe this work addresses that issue in significant and impactful ways.

Of your accomplishments workwise, which are you most proud of and why?

I am proud of those efforts which support student engagement, learning, and ultimately success.

What/who inspired you to choose this field? What/who inspires you now?

My goal is to be the kind of advisor and student support specialist I didn’t have in 1984. It’s unfortunate to have to admit, but in the early 1980s when I was in my undergraduate program, the importance of establishing rapport, being knowledgeable about resources, and addressing the needs of the whole student–academic and emotional–was not emphasized among practicing academic advisors. The current dedicated student affairs professionals–advisors, counselors, etc.–who work tirelessly to support their students are my current inspiration! I am also inspired by those nationally known academic advising giants–like Dr. Marc Lowenstein and Dr. Peter Hagen-who advanced the profession of advising.

Why UW Bothell?

I fell in love with the Bothell campus in 2016 during a visit. I have learned since being here that not only is the campus physically beautiful, but the values of inclusion, equity, and commitment to the environment are embraced and celebrated here.

How do you spend your time outside of work? What else would you like readers to know about you?

I am currently enrolled in a PhD program (in Academic Advising), so I don’t find time to just “be”! But when I can I enjoy home improvement, crafts, creative writing, and watching Marvel Universe movies and chef contest shows (like “Top Chef” and “Chopped”). “Worst Cooks in America” is probably my favorite!