Nurses Week spotlight: Dr. Natalie Fox
Posted on May 12, 2026 by Daniel Curtis
As part of Nurses Week, the University of South Alabama College of Nursing is proud to recognize graduates whose careers reflect the strength, service and leadership at the heart of the nursing profession.
Among them is Dr. Natalie Fox, CEO of USA Health and a three-time graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Nursing. For Fox, being recognized by the college during Nurses Week is especially meaningful because of the role South has played in shaping both her personal and professional journey.
“Being recognized during Nurses Week feels like a full-circle moment,” Fox said. “I’ve had the privilege of learning, growing, and serving at the University of South Alabama, and being honored by the place that shaped me is very meaningful.”
Fox earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing degrees at South. She said that experience gave her more than academic preparation. It helped build the foundation of her nursing career, introduced her to mentors and shaped the way she thinks about leadership, care and service.
One of the most meaningful influences on her path, she said, was the encouragement of Dr. Ashley D. Marass in the College of Nursing. Fox said Marass’ belief in her and her encouragement to pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree came at a pivotal point in her career and continues to influence the way she leads today.
“She didn’t just suggest it as a possibility, she truly believed I could and should do it, and that confidence helped me believe it too,” Fox said. “That mentorship helped shape how I see myself as a leader and continues to influence how I lead and serve today.”
Today, Fox leads USA Health. She said the lessons she learned at South still guide the way she approaches patients, teams and decision-making.
“South gave me a strong clinical foundation, but just as importantly, it shaped how I think about leadership and care,” Fox said. “I still carry those lessons with me in how I approach patients, teams, and decision-making.”
Dean Heather Hall said Fox’s career reflects the kind of leadership and impact the College of Nursing is proud to celebrate during Nurses Week.
“On behalf of the College of Nursing administration, faculty and staff, Dr. Natalie Fox’s commitment and determination are inspirational,” Hall said. “She exemplifies the College of Nursing mission every day. Dr. Fox’s leadership is influencing the future of health care. I am so proud of the significant impact she is having on patient care and the nursing profession.”
For current nursing students, Fox encourages them to stay grounded in the reason they chose nursing in the first place and to value the relationships they build along the way.
“Don’t underestimate the value of relationships along the way, with patients, classmates, and mentors,” Fox said. “Those connections will shape your career more than you realize and often open doors you didn’t expect.”