Dr. Chris Cox, deputy chancellor of instruction, research and development for the Alabama Community College System, was named the 2026 Alumnus of the Year for Enterprise State Community College during the College’s Scholarship and Honors Day Program held May 3.

Cox attended Enterprise State Junior College from 1993-1995, where he completed one year on a baseball scholarship. After his time at ESCC, Cox transferred to Troy University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Science. He later earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Alabama State University. Cox later attended Auburn University where he earned his doctorate in educational administration.

Cox began his career in the Wiregrass as a teacher and coach at Dale County High School. He later served as assistant principal at Geneva High School and principal at Pinedale Elementary School. He also served as principal and assistant superintendent in the Oxford City Schools system.

At the postsecondary level, Cox has held administrative roles at several community colleges, including president of Shelton State Community College and interim president of Northwest-Shoals Community College, Bevill State Community College, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.

During the Scholarship and Honors Day program, the College also recognized the recipient of the College’s prestigious President’s Cup award, which is presented to an ECC student that exhibits academic excellence, strong leadership, and is actively involved in the community.

Bryce Griffin, now an ESCC graduate transferring to Auburn University, was named the 2026 President’s Cup recipient.

He served as president of ESCC’s Phi Theta Kappa and Circle K student organizations and was an active volunteer in the community with Puppy Flights and Coffee County Toys for Tots. He also organized several service initiatives though his student organizations, including a pop tabs collection drive and a collaborative dog food drive.

In addition to his community and academic achievements, Griffin balanced a part-time job at Publix while also offering tutoring services to his fellow students. As stated by one College employee, “Bryce is an inspiring representative of Enterprise State Community College. I have no doubt he will continue to make ESCC proud as he transfers to Auburn University to pursue a degree in engineering.”