Faculty Spotlight: Erin Cox

The Heravi Peace Institute is thrilled to welcome Erin Cox, Professional Practice Assistant Professor in Communications, as the newest member of the Peace Institute Faculty Board.

Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from Utah State University in 2018 and her master’s of political science, with an emphasis in international relations and China, from the University of Utah in 2023.

Her journalism career began while she was a student at USU, covering President Trump’s Inauguration and the first Women’s March in Washington, D.C., for Utah Public Radio. She went on to work in the U.S. Senate before beginning her career as a television journalist. Erin has since worked as a reporter, photographer and editor for KSTU and KSL 5 News, covering major stories including the disappearance of University of Utah student MacKenzie Lueck and conducting in-depth investigations into religion and diversity.

A two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and six-time Emmy nominee, Erin brings years of experience in storytelling and reporting to the classroom.

In 2025, Erin traveled to Vietnam with Mehdi Heravi to visit USU students studying peace abroad. Erin was moved by Mehdi’s passion for peace and love for USU students. Her interactions in Vietnam led her to form this course on the intersection of peacebuilding and media, to be launched in Fall 2027 by the Peace Institute. 

Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, researching Utah history and serving her community. We’re excited to welcome her to the Peace Institute and look forward to the perspective she brings to our Faculty Board.