Dr. Jonathan Cox

Vice President

Dr. Jonathan Cox is the Vice President, Center Policy Analysis & Research (CPAR) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Inc (CBCF). The Vice President will develop world-class public policy and research strategies for the CBCF and the work it undertakes to eliminate disparities in the global Black community. He understands that the African American community is not monolithic and as such, public policy analyses and research should address the diverse interests of this community.

Dr. Jonathan Cox is a public scholar and educator, with 20 years of instructional and administrative experience across public and private K-12 and postsecondary institutions. As a culturally-response leader and mentor, Jonathan works to provide inclusive environments and promotes the development of the whole self as a tool for uplift and liberation.

Prior to joining CBCF, Jonathan was an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Central Florida. His research focuses on racial and social inequalities, primarily studying the impacts of racism in the United States. He has published in numerous academic journals on topics related to racial and ethnic identities, racial ideologies, the experiences of college students, diversity and inclusion processes in corporate America, and discrimination and racial disparities in health for Black Americans. Prior to his work as a faculty member, Jonathan worked as the Assistant Director for the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Wake Forest University. In this role he coordinated and implemented social and inter-cultural programs and events, academic intervention and support initiatives, and student leadership development programs for underrepresented students and the entire university community.

As an engaged public scholar, Jonathan regularly gives invited talks and makes media appearances, providing evidence-based commentary and insights on topics like policing in America, systemic racism, issues of social justice, and educational inequalities. He has served twice at the request of Orange County (Orlando, FL) Mayor Jerry Demings on the Citizens Safety Task Force, most recently as the Chair of the Prosecution Subcommittee, providing recommendations for Orange County social services, law enforcement, and judicial affairs towards reducing gun violence and violent crime. Through this work, Jonathan helped guide policy and funding recommendations that support and fund local grassroots organizations, provide mentoring and community-based programming for youth, create diversion programs, and increase investment in mental and behavioral health for youth and families in the Orlando area. Jonathan also regularly consults with various organizations across public and private sectors, providing expertise related to his research areas. Jonathan is a proud graduate of Hampton University, earning Bachelor of Science dual degrees in Health and Physical Education. He also holds an M.Ed. in college student affairs from the Pennsylvania State University, and an M.A and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Jonathan is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Beta Chi chapter (Hampton University). He enjoys staying active, musical performance, is an amateur chef and foodie, and loves spending time with his wife and daughter.