The James P. Fox Memorial Fund Launches Two Initiatives to Cultivate Public Sector Careers

The James P. Fox Memorial Fund, in partnership with Montclair State University and The College of New Jersey, announces the establishment of two mentorship initiatives designed to cultivate a new generation of public sector professionals (#FoxMentors). The programs, The Jamie Fox Forum on Public Service at Montclair State University and The Jamie Fox Scholars Program at The College of New Jersey, honor the legacy of Jamie Fox, who died in February 2017 and who spent his entire career in public service.

“For Jamie, public service was a life’s calling that fueled a thriving 40-year career and spawned many important policy achievements,” says Eric Shuffler, a fund trustee. “Jamie was especially passionate about mentoring young people and encouraging careers in government service. These two programs, funded by the Fox Memorial Fund, will provide students with real-life experience and advice that will provide a foundation for more young people to seek, obtain, and succeed in public sector jobs.”

The Jamie Fox Forum on Public Service at Montclair State University, to start in Fall 2018, will give 25 students from colleges and universities throughout New Jersey access to training with public sector professionals. Those selected through a competitive process will be called Fox Fellows, assigned a mentor, and work with the mentor throughout the year. Other components include an annual forum, called The Fox Forum, hosted by Montclair State. The forum will consist of a panel presentation, workshops, and a networking reception. Fox Fellows will also gather as a group several times a year and participate in a webinar, called “Preparing for a Career in Government Service.”

The Jamie Fox Scholars Program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) was launched in January. Five TCNJ students have been named Jamie Fox Scholars. Each will receive one-on-one mentoring and field-based training and participate in a half-day symposium at TCNJ that will feature public sector leaders, keynote address, panel discussion, roundtables, and a networking reception.

“We are beyond excited and grateful to these two institutions for working with us in developing these dynamic programs, which honor Jamie’s wish to fund educational opportunities for students, particularly in government and other public-sector professions,” says Tom Fox, Jamie’s brother and fund trustee. “Jamie deeply believed in the higher purpose of government service and in delivering results to the people of New Jersey. These two programs give students concrete ways to explore how they too can make a difference through public service.”

“Jamie’s long-standing commitment to the State of New Jersey and his remarkable ability to create bi-partisan alliances for the good of the public sets a powerful example for students interested in government service,” says Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. “Having worked with him for many years to increase support for, and expand access to, public higher education, I am delighted to honor his legacy. We are confident that this program will engage and inspire talented students to become the next generation of leaders.  Those who knew Jamie personally know that he was a warm-hearted and kind human being, and I am sure he would be really pleased to know there were Fox Fellows and Scholars out there in the world.”

“Jamie was an extremely talented public servant whose loyalty, honesty, and respect for others earned the admiration of both parties,” said TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein. “As a tribute to his lifelong commitment to public service, we have created this program to promote a similar commitment among generations of students who will pursue careers dedicated to the public good.”