Kirk Cox

05/18/2026

Great report from WHSV - TV 3 on last week's Internship Summit at Mary Baldwin University.

Leaders, educators and employers gathered Wednesday morning for an internship summit discussing the future of workforce development across the region.

05/13/2026

Had a great time being a keynote speaker at Mary Baldwin University’s Internship Summit: Building Stronger Pathways from Education to Employment.

I emphasized that employers view internship experiences as the most influential factor in tough hiring decisions and that 82% of the public supports funding campus internship centers.

As President of VBHEC our organization is committed to the goal of every Virginia university student to have the opportunity for at least one internship in their field of study.

04/15/2026

Today, I was glad to attend the inaugural board meeting of the Virginia Business K-12 Partnership in Richmond. This new organization's mission is to raise awareness of the vital connection between K-12 education and economic growth/workforce development. I know just how important this is having served as a public school teacher for 30 years.

Stewart Roberson (pictured) will serve as the group's chair/president. I look forward to working closely with him and the other board members to achieve consensus on practical ways to strengthen the vital bridge between our schools and workplaces.

04/09/2026

I was very sorry to see that Virginia Tech President Tim Sands intends to step down in the coming months. President Sands has been a true leader in so many ways, and I have had a chance to witness that firsthand as President of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. He has been an invaluable member of our VBHEC Board having served on the executive committee and leading a presidential workgroup that was instrumental in formulating our most recent successful Growth4VA campaign that emphasized affordable talent pathway and paid internships for students.

President Sands’s hard work and vision have truly transformed Virginia Tech. From establishing the Virginia Tech Carilion Academic Health Center and the Innovation Center in Alexandria to having a profound impact on the 100,000 Hokies that graduated during his tenure, Tim Sands has been simply transformational. Most importantly he is just a good man that stays calm no matter how difficult the circumstance and always puts the University and its students first.

🔗 https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/president.html

04/06/2026

Congratulations to the University of Mary Washington on winning their first NCAA Division III National Basketball Championship. They defeated Emory University 75-73 in Indianapolis on a dramatic last second shot to cap a perfect home record and a 30-3 season.

A special shout out to Head Coach Marcus Kahn and the dedicated basketball student athletes that help make UMW such a special liberal arts and science university. President Troy Paino does a wonderful job in describing the beauty of D-3 sports in his recent Guest Column in the Richmond Times Dispatch entitled, "This is the college basketball you've been missing." It is a must read!

🔗 https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article_0962e097-f7d5-4609-952a-a87da54994da.html

03/26/2026

My brother and I grew up going to King’s frequently. They have some the best BBQ you will find in Virginia! Can’t wait to stop by again soon.

King's Barbecue in Petersburg reopened to massive crowds Thursday morning, nearly three years after the 80-year-old restaurant closed its doors.

03/13/2026

It was great to be on a panel recently as part of the Loudoun Chamber’s 2026 PolicyMaker Series on Workforce and Education. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to highlight the Virginia Business Higher Education Council’s (VBHEC) great work promoting paid internships for students. There is no better way to attract and retain talent that leads to meaningful Virginia based jobs.

02/19/2026

It was with great sadness this afternoon that I learned of the passing of my friend Barry Knight. Julie and I join his friends and family in remembering his legacy of service while praying for his wife Paula and their children.

Barry served the people of Virginia Beach with distinction since 2009, and had an unparalleled understanding of Virginia’s budget. As Speaker, it was my pleasure to appoint him to serve as a budget conferee. In that capacity, he served our entire state with honor.

Barry Knight, a longtime Republican delegate representing Virginia Beach in the General Assembly, died on Thursday at 71.

02/06/2026

I was saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Charles Poindexter. I had the privilege to serve with Charlie for fourteen years in the Virginia House of Delegates. Charlie loved his district and was particularly passionate about serving the interests of his rural constituents. He proudly called himself a farmer and would serve as the vice chairman of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources committee. Most didn't know that Charlie held a math degree from Lynchburg College and a master's degree from George Washington University which he would use to do great things with the Department of Defense and NASA.

I had the privilege of serving with Charlie on the House Appropriations committee for many years. He was incredibly intelligent and digested every area of the complex state budget. His conservative principles were always on display and he did so much to maintain Virginia's Triple A bond rating and reputation for sound fiscal management.

Julie and I are praying for his wonderful wife Janet and their beautiful family during this very difficult time. Charlie will truly be missed.

Charles Poindexter, a Republican, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

01/18/2026

I have had the incredible opportunity to witness ten Governors’ inaugurations over my career, and continue to attend these important events as it is tradition for former speakers to be present. One of the hallmarks of a representative democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. Congratulations to our new Governor, Abigail Spanberger. I will be praying for wisdom and grace for the new Governor and her administration.