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Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Director Honored with Ferris Pacesetter Award

David CoxDavid Joseph Cox, who makes a positive difference in the lives of young people as director of Career and Technical Education at the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District in Cadillac, Mich., has received the Ferris State University Pacesetter Award.

The Ferris Alumni Association’s tradition of recognizing outstanding graduates is an important one, said Jeremy Mishler, director of Alumni Relations.

“This recognition helps to highlight wonderful examples of individual success and fulfillment that our students and fellow graduates can aspire to and be proud of,” Mishler said. “It also keeps alumni connected to the university's faculty and administration in a way that supports Ferris through their expertise, professional networks and personal philanthropy.”

Cox, who earned an associate’s degree in Welding Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Technical Education and a master’s in Career and Technical Education before graduating from Ferris in 2002, received the award during the Alumni Association’s annual spring reunion in May at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Big Rapids.

His efforts to open doors to success include starting the student organization Opportunities for Nontraditional Occupations at Wexford-Missaukee ISD.  Cox is a board member of the United Way of Wexford-Missaukee Counties, the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Ferris’ College of Education Advisory Board.

As a student, Cox was a volunteer Bulldog football coach for tight ends and special teams, helping guide the team to a 1999 GLIAC Conference Championship.  He has continued his mentorship by volunteering as a youth baseball, basketball and football coach, as well as Cub Scout den leader. 

He lives in Cadillac with his wife, Julie, and their two children.

The Ferris Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Committee established the Pacesetter Award in 1998.  The award is designed to recognize more recently graduated alumni who, while pursuing their professional endeavors, are “setting the pace” for more recent Ferris alumni to be involved with their communities and the university.

The award is given to alumni who demonstrate leadership and service to their profession, community, service organizations and to the university. Ferris alumni who have graduated within the past 13 years are eligible for the award.