In Memoriam: Dana Fox, 1957-2024

Dana Leigh Fox, former associate dean at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, passed away on January 30. She was 66.

Dr. Fox was the associate dean for graduate studies and research for the Bagwell College of Education and a professor of English at Kennesaw State University. Prior to joining the faculty at Kennesaw State University in 2016, Dr. Fox served Georgia State University for 15 years. She came to Georgia State University in 2000 as an assistant professor of English, eventually rising to the role of chair of the department of middle-secondary education and instructional technology. Earlier in her career, Dr. Fox held academic appointments at the University of Georgia and the University of Arizona.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Fox spent her career researching English education, examining topics such as literary education, policy in English education, and the intersection of gender and literacy. For her contributions to the education field, she received numerous awards including the 2018 Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Missouri College of Education. Her scholarly experience led her to authoring over 100 research publications and co-editing Stories Matter: The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children’s Literature (National Council of Teachers of English, 2003).

Dr. Fox was a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas where she received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English. She earned a Ph.D. in English education from the University of Missouri.