"DEAN" COX..one of the Greatest Clemson TIGERS ever!.

Mar 1, 2015, 6:39 PM

Along with Two-time All American (in same year) Banks "Bonnie" McFadden. I truly feel that Dean COX was one of greatest & most humble Clemson men I'd ever met in my 55+ years..and I got to watch & meet him many times over my student & post-graduate days..but one time was such a humbling event that I must tell it NOW, 30 years later.

Around late November 1985 I was attending the CLEMSON-SC game at Willie Brice Stadium..and I bought a ticket outside just for myself..and it was located up high on the sidelines but looking down at about the 30 yard line..and behind me was DEAN COX..Now the 10th President of CLEMSON University from July 1985-March 1986 (interim)..sitting with regular fans, many Gamecocks.

Then, after the game started something occurred which I don't remember..but he opted to give up his seat..and sat down on the concrete steps..with fans going around him to get to concessions or to rest rooms.

I couldn't believe what I was witnessing..and he smiled the entire time. Later, he disappeared and I mentioned it to people around me..and they couldn't believe it either..that THE President of CLEMSON University would even be placed in these seats (and not in a booth or box seating)..nor less give up his seat and sit on the steps. What a Gentleman!

He is the same humble man who entered CLEMSON College in 1935 as a freshman cadet..then left Clemson to serve 1 year in WW2..and upon returning Never left Clemson..serving various jobs in the Athletic Dept (includiing asst FB coach, baseball coach & recruiter..and even helped Coach Frank Howard clear land for the new football stadium by using handsaws, chains & mules!).

In 1950 Dean Cox became public relation director..5 years later he was named VP for student affairs where he remained for 30 years as the school grew from 2,700 to 12,500 students and events such as the school transitioning from military to civilian status to admitting women and desegregation with Harvey Gantt.

His retired in April 1987 after being temporary VP for institutional advancement, but remained on as a consultant and good-will ambassador for the University.

* In 1939 he was a football player along with Banks McFadden on the squad that upset Frank Leahey's much favored Boston College Eagle team in Clemson's 1st Bowl game (Jan 1, 1940 in Dallas and the Cotton Bowl)..with a 6-3 upset just days before Coach Leahey left for Notre Dame and even more historical coaching feats with them.

* Dean Cox's name can be found on the Walter T. Cox Jr. PLAZA, dedicated in 1998, near the center of campus, as well as the Walter T. Cox Blvd in 2002, a section of SC 93 that passes through the campus.

What a TIGER for all times...WALTER T. "Dean" COX. Thank you Country Gentleman for all you personally did for little CLEMSON College so we can call it our University!