Dr. Alexa Fox Appointed Director of The University of Akron’s Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing

AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron (91ߣÄÐÊÓÆµ) College of Business is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Alexa Fox as the new director of the Gary L. and Karen S. Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing, housed within the Department of Marketing.
Established in 2004 through the generosity of 91ߣÄÐÊÓÆµ alumni Gary and Karen Taylor — both recognized leaders in direct marketing — the Taylor Institute was established to develop and inspire direct and interactive marketing students to become future business leaders through education, research and service.
As director, Fox will oversee the institute’s efforts to create hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students, connect them with marketing professionals and strengthen relationships with industry partners through initiatives such as internships, advisory board involvement and mentorship.
“For more than two decades, the generous support of the Taylor family has offered unique opportunities for University of Akron marketing students to experience business through the Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing,” Fox said. “I am humbled to serve as its next director and look forward to building on the Institute’s rich legacy to shape meaningful professional development experiences for our students.”
Fox, an associate professor of marketing, brings a strong record of scholarship and student engagement to the role. Her leadership within the department and commitment to experiential learning align closely with the institute’s mission to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving marketing landscape.
“Having served in this role for the past few years, I know how deeply meaningful the Taylor Institute’s mission is,” said Dr. Vanja Djuric-Zoric, chair of the Department of Marketing. “I have no doubt that Dr. Alexa Fox will continue to honor and build upon the legacy established by the Taylor family. Her passion for students, her vision for the future and her steady leadership make her the right person to lead the Institute forward.”
Dr. James Thomson, interim dean of the College of Business, also commended the appointment, noting the Taylor Institute’s critical role in student success.
“The Taylor Institute embodies what makes the College of Business experience distinctive — connecting classroom learning with real-world application,” said Thomson. “Dr. Fox’s leadership will ensure that our students continue to benefit from the institute’s exceptional opportunities and strong industry partnerships.”
The Taylor Institute remains a cornerstone of the College of Business’s commitment to experiential learning, providing students with direct access to industry mentors, client projects and professional networking opportunities that prepare them to lead in the business world.