Lessons Learned Utah's Governor and First Lady Draw Inspiration from Rural Roots and Snow College Experiences By Emily Peterson Reflecting on a political journey that started on the Fairview City Council and led to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and then to Utah’s highest elected position, Governor Spencer Cox said, “I still to this day don’t think I chose this career. If you look at how we got here, the career kind of chose us.” While being Governor and First Lady may not have always been on the to-do list for Spencer and Abby Palmer Cox, service, kindness, and hard work are among the traits that qualify them for their current positions. Their rural
upbringing and experiences, including their time spent at Snow College, played an immeasurable role in the development of these qualities. The Coxes both grew up in Sanpete County – Spencer in Fairview, and Abby in Mt. Pleasant. They make it a priority to stay close to their rural roots. In fact, for the two terms that Spencer served as Lieutenant Governor, Abby and Spencer chose to live and raise their children in Fairview, with Spencer making a daily four-hour, round-trip commute to Salt Lake City. While being full-time Fairview residents is not an option now, they spend weekends at home, whenever possible.
Gov. Spencer Cox gives his inaugural address on January 4, 2021. Photo by Utah Office of the Governor.
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