Photography by LORI SPARKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY | On Location at the INTEGRATED HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING
Emogene Fox is a visionary, an educator and a mentor. Her devotion to the welfare of fellow Arkansans is unwavering. She has dedicated her career to empowering the potential of students and the improved health of our state. Under the leadership of Emogene, the Arkansas Society for Public Health Education significantly improved organizational capacity and increased service work with measurable results. She recognizes health disparities and is an ardent advocate for a more equitable system. She shares these values as well as critical knowledge in the classroom and community. Emogene will be honored with the University of Central Arkansas Distinguished Alumni Award later this month at Laurels & Stripes.
As a student, Emogene received an undergraduate degree in education as a well as a master’s degree in health education at the University of Central Arkansas. “I followed my childhood sweetheart, Norris Fox, who later became my husband to UCA.” She recalls and admits that was the beginning of a deep devotion to the university. “I fell in love with my classes and the campus.”
While working with the University of Arkansas Extension Service, Emogene was invited to apply for a faculty position at the University of Central Arkansas. “I was thrilled when the Health Education Department Chairman Dr. Arvil Burks called me. I love UCA and wanted to teach here.” During her tenure at the University of Central Arkansas College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Emogene was instrumental in cultivating partnerships that offered unprecedented opportunities for students. Through the UCA Department of Health Sciences Internship Program – UAMS, ACH, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional Medical Center and Baptist Medical Center healthcare professionals and practitioners provide invaluable insight and experience. “The College of Health & Behavioral Sciences prepares students to become health professionals. At UCA, these students work together on different health-related projects. Therefore, preparing health professionals that can improve the health status of Arkansas citizens.”
Laurels & Stripes will recognize Emogene’s unwavering commitment to the University of Arkansas at Central Arkansas and welfare of the state. The evening will also celebrate the success of UCA Now: Impact Arkansas & Beyond. Vice President of Advancement Dr. Mary Bane Lackie elaborates, “The campaign concluded last September and surpassed the $100 million goal with $109 million raised 10 months ahead of schedule.” Congruent with this initiative, the university crafted a plan to optimize resources and help students access eligible
financial assistance. Proceeds support scholarships awarded through the University of Central Arkansas Foundation. Emogene has established three scholarships: Dr. Emogene Walmsley Fox Scholarship, Jay Norris Fox Golf Scholarship and Dr. Dana Leigh Fox English Education Scholarship. For more than three decades, she continues to support students and faculty as well as athletics and the Delta Zeta Sorority. “UCA has been a vital part of my family’s education and potential future. It remains a wonderful place to teach young citizens.”
