Dr. Justin Cox, an associate professor in Appalachian State University's Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, has been named the inaugural Harry M. Davis Distinguished Banking Scholar.
The newest of the professorships in the Walker College of Business, the Davis Professorship helps App State recruit and retain the best business students and banking faculty.
The Davis Professorship is named in honor of Dr. Harry Davis, a 2024 inductee of the North Carolina Banking Hall of Fame and a member of App State’s faculty since 1980. The campaign to honor Davis was a collaboration between the North Carolina Bankers Association (NCBA) and the Walker College, with alumni and partner banks working together to raise funds for a $1 million endowed professorship.
Those who hold professorships have demonstrated outstanding performance in instruction, scholarship, and service, and have served as positive role models for students.
"Dr. Cox has demonstrated exemplary achievement in his teaching, research and service,” said Walker College of Business Dean Sandra Vannoy. “His commitment to students and to the banking profession makes him an outstanding inaugural recipient of this honor, and I am confident he will continue to build upon Dr. Davis’s remarkable legacy.”
Dr. Justin Cox
Cox joined the faculty in the Walker College of Business in 2019.
He teaches banking and financial markets at App State and is co-advisor to the Finance Student Association. Cox is also a senior faculty member for NCBA, teaching classes and helping run the bank simulation.
Cox’s research focuses on market structure, trading behavior, and financial policy with implications for financial markets and bank operations. He earned the college's Sywassink Award for Excellence in Research in 2025.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Coastal Carolina University, a Master of Arts from the University of Central Florida, an MBA from Louisiana Tech University and his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi.
Cox will receive a salary stipend to further advance his work and retain the Davis Professorship for five years, and he may be reappointed for additional terms.
About Endowed Professorships in the Walker College of Business
Professorships are often named for generous donors or individuals who have otherwise made a positive impact on the college.
Professorships are funded in part by generous donations from alumni and friends.
To contribute to other professorships in the Walker College, contact Executive Director of Development Kyle Allen, allenkb2@appstate.edu, (828) 262-6231.
About the Department of Finance, Banking & Insurance
The Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance develops leaders for business, government and education by offering a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in two specializations: finance and banking, and risk management and insurance. Learn more at https://finance.appstate.edu.
Dr. Justin Cox
Photo Appalachian State University