Bradley Announces Leadership Transition of CFO/COO

Bradley University has named Sheryl Cox to serve as senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Cox has consulted with Bradley on various strategic projects for the past eight months.

“Sheryl brings a breadth of executive experience, leadership, continuity and energy to our strategic initiatives,” said Bradley President Stephen Standifird. “She is action-oriented and an agile decision-maker, which is welcome in our current environment.”

Cox replaces Jeff Blade, who decided to accept a role in Indianapolis that best serves his family. “We are beyond grateful for Jeff’s contribution to Bradley,” added Standifird. “During the past year, he led some key campus initiatives in a very challenging COVID environment. Jeff was integral in ensuring Bradley maintains its financial and operational success during this pandemic and in the years ahead.”

Before joining Bradley, Cox served as president/COO/CFO at Apex Media. She also held senior roles at Paper Source, Kraft Foods and McDonald’s supply chain partners.

In community service, Cox was an officer for the Kellogg Executive Women’s Network at Northwestern and the American Association of University Women. She also served as a trustee with the La Grange Park Library.

Cox earned her undergraduate degree in accounting and management at Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is a certified public accountant, certified treasury professional and chartered global management accountant.

“I look forward to partnering with the leadership team, faculty and staff to ensure Bradley University’s success and future growth,” said Cox.

She will assume her duties Monday, Feb. 15.

Some media in Bradley University's current print, video and online materials was acquired before the COVID-19 pandemic. Media acquired after the pandemic began was done so in compliance with Bradley's COVID-19 safety protocols at the time. The ongoing safety of our faculty, staff and students is of the utmost concern during these unprecedented times.