We are happy to announce that Otterbein University has chosen William (Bill) Fox, Ed.D., as its new vice president for student affairs. Fox will be responsible for partnering with faculty to create holistic student learning and support, facilitating a community that welcomes and supports a highly diverse student population, and fostering a culture of innovation to keep Otterbein on the forefront of American higher education.

“I am excited about this opportunity at Otterbein to work alongside students and colleagues to build a healthy campus community. I value the importance of a vibrant and inclusive residential life program that enhances student academic success and meaningful connections within the community. I look forward to working with Otterbein’s leadership team on continuing to shape a culture that values well-being and supports student success,” said Fox.

At Otterbein, Fox will oversee health and wellness, residence life, student engagement, athletics, and student conduct programs. 

Fox has worked in higher education for over 20 years, including a decade as dean of students at Denison University in Granville, OH. He currently leads the student affairs division at Antioch College* in Yellow Springs, OH.

His research focuses on the emergence of senior wellness officer roles in American higher education and ways leaders can strategically create organizational cultures that promote well-being. Last year, Fox published an article, “Making the Case for a University Senior Wellness Officer,” in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.

“Bill Fox has a record of success in providing the kinds of supportive services we strive to offer students at Otterbein. His research and professional work make him the ideal person to focus on the important issues of student wellness, diversity, and inclusion in our campus community,” said President John Comerford.

He is active in professional associations and strives to connect others to meaningful volunteer activities. He currently serves as the advisory board chair for the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities; as the Don Schweingruber Senior Student Affairs Officer on the Board of the Ohio College Personnel Association; and as a committee member for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Strategies Conferences. He is a past executive board member for the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International and led public policy initiatives as part of the Consortium on Government Relations for Student Affairs in Washington, D.C., for five years.  

Fox received his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University, master’s degree from The Ohio State University, executive certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University, and doctorate degree in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh.

*Antioch College is not affiliated with Antioch University. Otterbein is currently partnering with Antioch University to create a new system of mission-driven, not-for-profit independent institutions of higher education.