The College of Nursing has nominated an exceptional student to lead the processional during spring commencement. Florence, Ala. native Garrett Keith Cox was selected to be the graduation marshal. It is one of the highest honors the university awards to students based on their academic performance and their involvement in and contribution to the campus community. He was recognized for completing a stellar undergraduate career at Auburn University — succeeding inside the classroom and out, on campus and far beyond. Cox, who is also the recipient of the 2024 President's Award, will graduate with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Cox chose nursing because he enjoys being by the bedside to educate and care for patients when they are at their lowest. “I aspire to be a lifelong learner and have come to realize that nurses are just that,” he said. At AUCON, he was on the Dean’s List for several semesters and received the Fearless and True Academic Scholarship and the Great Southern Wood Preserving Scholarship.
Cox has regularly demonstrated the skills and desire to further his knowledge in the field of nursing. “The College of Nursing prepared me very well for my career,” he said. “I was able to be hands-on in the clinical setting with a variety of patients and disease processes. In the classroom, professors want to see you succeed and students can ask questions and expect to receive help without fail. My fellow classmates are very intelligent and pushed me to be a better nurse every day.
“I will remember the feeling of family that circulates through the entire program. The faculty and my classmates have become people that I can go to in times of trouble and celebration.”
For Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Cox helped introduce high school students interested in healthcare to the field of nursing. His group created a simulation lab which included two full patient scenarios where students learned how to provide basic safety measures and assess the patient’s wellbeing.
“My activities outside the program helped me immensely. I was selected to be the SGA Executive Council President by my peers, and this experience taught me to prioritize time management and learn necessary leadership skills. Nursing school can be difficult at times which allowed me to learn the importance of resilience and determination. These qualities have shaped me into the nurse I am today and the one I will become.”
Following graduation, Cox will move to Birmingham where he has accepted a job to work in the cardiovascular unit at University of Alabama - Birmingham Hospital and further his knowledge in the field of nursing. “Promoting general health in the community is an aspect of nursing that has become very special to me. I look forward to finding my niche in the community.”
