Leadership changes at Cox College

Cox College has announced a leadership change as the institution begins the evolution of its programs into The Alliance for Healthcare Education.

Cox College President Dr. Amy Wutke recently accepted a new role outside the organization. Cox College’s Board of Directors has named Dr. Amy Townsend, Cox College’s Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, as Cox College’s next president, effective this summer.

Dr. Wutke, who has served at Cox College’s president since 2017, will serve through June 21, 2024.

During her tenure, Dr. Wutke led Cox College through significant growth and developments such as an additional campus in Monett, the addition of a variety of health science degree pathways and Cox College’s growth into a doctoral-granting institution.

In recent years, she led a total renovation of the Cox College facility in 2019 and a revamp of Cox College’s state-of-the-art simulation center in 2022.

“Dr. Wutke’s influence on Cox College, CoxHealth, and our community has been significant,” says Andy Hedgpeth, CoxHealth’s vice president of Human Resources. “Her leadership has shaped the lives of many students, and helped drive the next generation of our workforce.”

Dr. Townsend will assume the role of president this summer, bringing more than a decade of higher education experience to the role.

She has served at Cox College since 2011, as a professor, department chair, chief nurse administrator, and as Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness since 2020.

“Dr. Townsend has a proven track record of leading educational programs and developing effective solutions,” Hedgpeth says. “I am proud to welcome her to this role, and I know Cox College will continue to benefit from her expertise.”

As Cox College’s programs fold in to The Alliance for Healthcare Education in the coming years, Dr. Townsend will fulfill teachout duties and complete the transition of legacy Cox College. She will then pivot to a new role as Director of Student Experience with CoxHealth.

“Both Dr. Wutke and Dr. Townsend have been critical to Cox College’s success, and we are grateful for their leadership in this pivotal time for health care education,” Hedgpeth says.