About Us
Honors Faculty Ralph Wilcox
Education | Policy | Leadership | Global Studies
Dr. Ralph C. Wilcox is a professor at the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Before joining the Honors College as faculty, Dr. Wilcox served as provost of the University of South Florida from 2008-2022. With his leadership, ±«Óãtv became the fastest rising institution in U.S. News and World Report, was designated as a Preeminent Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, and was eventually invited to membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU).
A History of Leadership
Dr. Wilcox earned his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Exeter, England, before going on to receive a master’s degree from Washington State University and a doctorate from University of Alberta, Canada. He has worked in education leadership at the ±«Óãtv since 2001 and has spent a large portion of his career bettering the university and supporting its communities of students, faculty and staff.
Some of his notable awards include:
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Exeter
- Fellow of the American Council on Education
- Fellow of the British Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce
- STEM Catalyst Award, Advancing Science in America (ARCS) for Gulf Oil Spill First Responders
- Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Research Fellow
Teaching Informed Citizenship
Dr. Wilcox’s scholarly expertise is focused on cultural studies and globalization — a fundamental aspect of his long history of community and global engagement, as well as his strong advocacy for interdisciplinary collaboration. He has presented his work extensively and has published two books and numerous articles in leading peer reviewed national and international journals. He has received upward of $10 million in research contracts and grants.
In the Honors College, Dr. Wilcox teaches classes that focus on forms of government and political relations. His course, Argument: Democracy’s Greatest Gift? explores the role of debate in promoting democratic governance, resilience, viewpoint diversity, and free speech. He also teaches U.S. & U.K.: The Special Relationship, Myth or Reality? Trans-Atlanticism in the Contemporary World, where students examine the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom over time, challenge misconceptions, and consider how the relationship might evolve in the future.
Supporting student growth
Dr. Wilcox supports the Honors Wilcox Scholars Program, where motivated students interested in public policy are provided opportunities
to network, discuss public policy, and apply for competitive internships and scholarships
starting in their first year at ±«Óãtv. As Wilcox scholars progress through the program,
they meet local, statewide, national and international leaders in public policy and
take on their own leadership roles.
In addition to founding this Honors program, Dr. Wilcox has an award named in his
honor — the — which annually recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies the University of
South Florida’s values of scholarship, leadership, and service.
Contact Ralph Wilcox.