I
t is no surprise that Eddie Cox attended Snow College. From a young age, he was already made of the “stuff” that makes great Badgers—a great work ethic, a love of learning, and a strong desire to always give more than he receives. You won’t find anyone else who champions the “Spirit of Snow” more than Eddie L. Cox. Eddie was raised in a family of six boys on a small dairy farm in Fairview, Utah, about 25 minutes north of Snow College on US Highway 89. He graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1969 and went on to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Southern United States. After completing his mission, Eddie assumed the responsibilities of his family’s farm, due to his father’s illness. He also went to work for his uncle, Iven R. Cox, at Central Utah Telephone (now known as CentraCom). His workdays were very long between milking cows, taking classes at Snow College, and working at his regular job with the phone company. Eddie persisted with his education at Snow, however, and finished an A.S. degree in 1974. Eddie and his brother Ron started Fairview Rupp (now Cox Automotive and Sports), selling Rupp snowmobiles and recreational vehicles. In addition to helping people have fun in the snow, Eddie and his cousin Branch Cox started Skyline Construction (now MKJ Construction) doing excavation work. Even though Eddie is not currently involved in these two businesses today, he is still proud to have been part of their inception and values the experience. He never did leave the family farm, and he continues to manage it today. Eddie is the president and general manager of CentraCom Interactive, and his cousin Branch serves as the CEO. The two have worked together in the telecommunications business for over 38 years, taking a small, nearly bankrupt business with 700 subscribers and five employees in 1984, to a full-service communications company. CentraCom now serves more than 20,000 highspeed Internet, telephone, long-distance, and cable TV customers across rural Utah with more than 80 wonderfully talented employees who keep the phones ringing, the Internet “surfable,” and many televisions tuned in to a variety of programming, including Snow College sports and activities. Eddie has always believed in giving more than he has received and tries to “pay it forward” with every opportunity to serve Snow College, his community, and others that may come 201 3 | S N OW CO L L EG E M AG A ZI N E
his way. He currently serves on the Snow College Foundation Board of Directors. He recently completed two terms as a member of the Snow College Board of Trustees, serving as chair for four years. Eddie’s interests in Snow College and Sanpete County as a whole directed him to serve as the first chairman of the Sanpete County Economic Development Committee and as a Sanpete County commissioner from 1992 to 2002. Improving life in his local community is very important to Eddie, where he has served as Fairview City mayor for four years and for eight years on the Fairview City Council. His business ventures provide him with additional opportunities to serve, with past appointments that include president of the Utah Rural Telecom Association, president of the Rocky Mountain Telecommunications Association, and president of the Western Telecommunications Alliance. He presently serves on the boards of several communication corporations in Utah, California, and New Mexico, and he also serves as a commissioner-at-large on the Utah Transportation Commission. Aside from serving on the Snow College Foundation Board of Directors, Eddie is a generous donor, having established an endowment fund to provide scholarship support for students. Because of his close ties with North Sanpete High School, he has also created a scholarship fund through his company for North Sanpete graduates who wish to attend Snow College.
Eddie Cox Eddie and his wife, Lesa, have eight children and reside on the family farm near the mouth of Fairview Canyon. They are always grateful for what Snow College has given them, and they are willing to give back in the years to come. In recognition of his numerous accomplishments and dedication to Snow College and the community, Eddie will receive the 2013 Snow College Distinguished Alumnus award. He will be honored during the College’s Homecoming activities on September 28. - Travis Schiffman 27