Savannah State University’s Dr. Tara Cox Honored Nationally for Excellence and Leadership in Mammalogy Education
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026
Dr. Tara Cox, a professor and coordinator of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences program at Savannah State University (SSU), has been awarded the prestigious Joseph Grinnell Award by the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM).
The national award recognizes outstanding and sustained contributions to education in mammalogy. Dr. Cox will be formally presented with the honor at the organization’s next annual meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June 2027.
Since joining the SSU faculty in 2008, Dr. Cox has inspired generations of students in the classroom and the field. She teaches specialized courses including Introduction to Oceanography, Coastal Zone Management, and Marine Ecology. Her extensive research focuses on the conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy, and the dynamics of human interactions with marine mammals.
“Dr. Cox is a true pioneer and a deeply dedicated educator,” said Teresa Shakespeare, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities. “The Joseph Grinnell Award recognizes what we at Savannah State have known for years—that her commitment to educating the next generation of scientists is unmatched. Her work brings immense pride to our college and the entire Tiger Nation.”
Established in 1996, the Joseph Grinnell Award honors individuals who have demonstrated a deep devotion to education in mammalogy over a period of at least 10 years. The award celebrates excellence in the broadest sense—encompassing traditional undergraduate and graduate teaching, the production of educational materials for government and conservation agencies, public education through museum curation, and community stewardship.
“I am incredibly thankful to colleagues and students, past and present, who nominated me for the award,” said Cox. “I take my role at SSU to train the next generation of marine scientists seriously, and it is always nice to know that my efforts have made a difference in students' lives.”
Dr. Cox earned her Ph.D. degree in ecology and her master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Davidson College.
