In memoriam: William E. 'Bill' Cox, professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering
William Edward “Bill” Cox, professor emeritus in the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, passed away on Oct. 2 at the age of 81 following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer that spanned more than six years.
Cox earned his bachelor's degree in 1966, master's degree in 1968, and Ph.D. in 1976 in civil engineering, all from Virginia Tech. He devoted much of his professional life to the university, where he was a respected faculty member in the environmental and water resources engineering program.
Cox’s research and teaching focused on water resources management, institutional frameworks for water allocation, and environmental quality protection amid competing demands. Over the course of his career, he authored numerous scholarly works, including studies on water rights maintenance under model-state water codes, conflict over water transfers, and minimum-flow maintenance in water resources systems. He was deeply committed to mentoring students and shaping future engineers in his field.
Outside his professional engineering endeavors, Cox often took photos of civil and environmental engineering department events, as well as shots of landscapes and wildlife. In particular, he enjoyed recording the lives of his daughter and granddaughters through his photography. He was also known as an avid fisherman and a man of deep character. His life was marked by perseverance, quiet humility, and devotion to the people he loved.
“Bill Cox is one of the best examples of the Virginia Tech motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) that I have ever known,” said Bill Knocke, professor of civil and environmental engineering. “Wherever his service was needed, he responded positively to the call. Bill was always kind and very pleasant to be around — a man of many talents and passions. It was indeed my pleasure to have him as a colleague and a good friend.”
His full obituary and memorial service information can be found online.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Civil Rights Compliance at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
