Professor Fox Honored as a “Gator Great”

In February, Professor Reginald Fox, math and statistics instructor in the General Education program at Union Institute & University, was recognized by the University of Florida Association of Black Alumni – South Florida Chapter – as one of the “Gator Greats.”

Professor Fox was selected for this honor as a University of Florida alumnus known for his outstanding work as an educator and community builder in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Professor Fox received his bachelor’s degree in 1997 with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics. He also holds a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Nova Southeastern University and an Educational Specialist degree from Barry University.

Reginald has been employed by the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) System, the fourth largest school district in the country, since 1997. He has held numerous positions as a high school mathematics teacher, mathematics department chairperson, teacher, support specialist, instructional supervisor, and assistant principal. He is currently the principal of Kendale Elementary School where under his leadership, for the 2013-2014 school year, the school received its eleventh “A” rating and earned 656 out of 800 points on the 2014 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). This is the highest score in the school’s history and ranked as the seventh highest score in the District.

Reginald’s passion for education extends to the collegiate level where he has worked as an adjunct professor at the Union Institute & University since 2005, teaching various mathematics and statistics courses. Reginald recently developed the master syllabus and online curriculum to be utilized for all of Union Institute & University’s Contemporary Mathematics courses.

How did you become involved in higher education?
In 2004, I left the classroom setting as a high school math teacher and began my quest to become a career administrator in the Miami-Dade County Public School system by taking a position at the Region office. This afforded me many opportunities to grow as a professional and advance my career, but it also created a huge void in my life in the area of teaching and having a direct impact on the educational lives of students. In 2005, the Union Institute & University brought me on as an adjunct professor and it has been a wonderful relationship ever since.

What attracted you to Union?
From day one, I saw flexibility being Union Institute & University’s biggest quality in being able to design and tailor programs to meet the individual needs of learners as they entered the school. I saw this as a changing landscape in adult higher education and was thrilled to be part of this institution. This has not changed with the online courses offered and I am excited to be part of going from a face-to-face instructor to a 100% online instructor. It’s a sign of the changing of times and I am honored to be part of this.

Who are the leaders that you admire? 
First and foremost, my father, the Rev. Canon Dr. Ronald N. Fox. He has shown leadership within our home and in the community that has helped shape the lives of not only my family but the communities in which he has lived and worked. He is the direct source of my inspiration to help others. Secondly, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. for the way that he changed the lives of Americans through the use of non-violence and challenging law makers to make sure that all Americans were treated fairly and equal as written in the Constitution. What these two men share in common is an uncommon courage and desire to make the lives of others better through self-sacrifice, determination and a vision of a better life. This is how I aspire to live and lead my life.

What are your current projects?
Currently, I am still working on creating the best possible learning experience for students at Union Institute & University. This is my first semester teaching a fully online course and I am excited about the possibilities of this course moving forward. Creating an online course has been a welcomed experience, and I have given a lot of time creating a worthwhile learning experience in a new format. I am also fully engaged in the mentoring of youth through the Sigma Beta Club. We are currently fundraising to take youth that are male from the ages of 8-18 to Little Rock, Arkansas this summer for the 2015 Sigma Beta National Leadership Retreat. This retreat happens every two years with the last one taking place in Philadelphia, PA in 2013 where these youth are given opportunities for leadership experiences that will positively shape their lives for the future. These two projects will have a significant impact on the persons involved and for that I am excited to play a part in them.

What does “social responsibility” mean to you? How do you live out that value in your life—both here at Union and outside of Union?
Social responsibility means a great deal to me. I was raised by a preacher and a teacher as parents, so I learned firsthand the responsibility of using the gifts that God gave us for the greater good of humankind. I believe that we have a social responsibility to play a part in making the world a better place through spiritual connections, civic duties & educating the society as a whole. It is our responsibility to live our lives in a Christ-like manner and display love, compassion and goodwill towards others. This is done through many acts that include volunteering, education, mentoring and financial contributions to worthwhile organizations. In short, we are not made to live in isolation and not bless others. We were made to live in a community and help others with the gifts and blessings that have been bestowed upon us.