During his time as a student at Miami University, Joseph Cox was active in a number of student organizations, including the Miami University Men’s Glee Club, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and track and field. He graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1961 before beginning his career at Miami as a professor in the Department of Art in 1971. He also served as the chairman of the Department of Art for six years. In 1988, Cox became the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, where he remained until 2007.