Michael Cox (professor)


Michael Cox was the founder of Rushmore University, an unaccredited online college of higher learning offering master's and doctoral degrees in a variety of business-related fields.

Early life and education

Cox graduated in 1980 from Oklahoma State University with PhD in Accounting, followed by seven years spent teaching at the University of Arkansas and Sam Houston State University. In 1992 he started a company that offered computer tutoring to out placed workers, before starting Rushmore University in 1996.

Rushmore University

Cox started Rushmore University as an institution of higher distance learning. Rushmore education uses the Oxford tutorial method, which emphasizes direct feedback on writing in a one on one setting. This method has also been utilized by colleges such as the Williams College and New College of Florida. Rushmore also allows its students to tailor their curriculum to their specific business related field of interest.

Personal life

Cox married in 1992 and has three children. He died of a cancerous brain tumor on November 12, 2006 at 54 years of age.