Community-Minded Kevin and Nicole Cox Invest in Local Students

Kevin and Nicole Cox's lives have been interwoven with the Newark community from the very beginning. Born and raised in Newark, they both attended St. Francis de Sales School and continued at Newark Catholic High School. After graduation, their educational paths led them to The Ohio State University, where they each pursued their unique passions and ambitions.

Nicole began her college career at Ohio State Newark, a decision that proved to have many benefits. "The flexibility Ohio State Newark offered really stood out to me," she recalls. "I was able to work through my college time, which allowed me to meet so many people in the community. Those connections were great, and actually introduced me to someone who hired me for my first job after graduation." She eventually transitioned to the Columbus campus to complete her degree in human development and family science.

Kevin, on the other hand, attended Ohio State's Columbus campus to pursue a degree in finance. After completing his undergraduate studies, Kevin completed an accelerated MBA program at Ohio University and then returned to Newark to build his career as a financial planner with Edward Jones Investments.

Their deep-rooted connection to Newark and their belief in the power of education led Kevin and Nicole to recently endow The Kevin and Nicole Cox Scholarship at the Newark Campus Development Fund. This scholarship supports graduates from Licking County high schools attending The Ohio State University at Newark or Central Ohio Technical College. "We've seen firsthand how a little bit of financial help can make a big difference for students," Kevin explains. "This is our way of giving back to potentially help a number of students (especially fellow Buckeyes!) for many years to come.”

For Nicole, the scholarship represents more than just financial support. It's about fostering a sense of community and opportunity for local students. "The Newark campus is a great option for our local kids, to be able to stay local, work local and then hopefully raise their family and live here as they grow up," she says. "It's important for employers looking for local talent that there are local options."

Kevin and Nicole’s dedication to Newark is evident in their day-to-day lives and goes beyond their scholarship fund. "Our community is always striving to better itself, and we're proud to be a part of that," Nicole says. They have been blessed with a good life here, and with welcoming their son Everett this past year, they are proud to forever call this place home. Their shared values of education, community, and philanthropy are the driving forces behind their efforts to make a difference, no matter how small.

Their story is a testament to the enduring power of community and the important role that the Newark campus plays in enriching the lives of its residents. Through their scholarship and their active involvement, Kevin and Nicole are helping to ensure that the next generation of Newark campus students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Port Authority Supports the Future of STEM in Licking County

In October 2021, The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority announced a $1 million transformational promise to the future of STEM learning in Licking County in the form of a new, 20-year STEM Scholarship held at the Newark Campus Development Fund. Their funding will provide scholarships for students attending The Ohio State University at Newark or Central Ohio Technical College with a focus on supporting science, technology, engineering, and math job opportunities in Licking County.

The initial gift of $50,000 was publicly made on October 1st during a commemorative event marking 25 years since the transfer of the facilities of the former Newark Air Force Base on October 1, 1996 to the Port Authority. The Port Authority is promising to continue the $50,000 annual gift through at least the year 2041 as a recognition of the importance of STEM skills in fulfilling its job opportunities-focused mission.

“A large part of what we do at the former Newark Air Force Base is ‘rocket science’ and requires a highly skilled labor force,” said Dr. Bob Klingensmith, Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority Board member. “It is our hope that these scholarships will help the citizens of Licking County meet the future employment needs of companies located on our campus.”

The scholarship idea was initiated by Klingensmith and fully embraced by the Port Authority Board of Directors. Dr. Klingensmith has served on the Board of the Port Authority since its beginning in 1995. The STEM Scholarship announcement is fitting with the theme of the 25th anniversary commemoration: Partnership.

Eligible recipients for The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority STEM Scholarship include those employed or a family member of those employed at businesses located on the Port Authority’s Central Ohio Aerospace & Technology Center campus. Licking County residents pursuing a degree in a STEM-related discipline are also eligible.

The first scholarships were awarded for the 2022-2023 school year.