Karl August Fox was born on July , 14 1917 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Feramorz Young Fox and Anna T. Wilken. He received a B.A. (1937) in English and M.A. in Sociology (1938) from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. (1954) I n economics from the University of California at Berkley.

During World War II, Fox was assigned to the War Food Administration (1942-1944), the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (1944-1955). Fox accepted the postion of the Head (1955-1972) of the Department of Economics at Iowa State College (University). Fox was named Distinguished Professor (1968). After stepping down, he continued to research and teach . His main areas of research include urban and regional economics, demand analysis, theory of economic policy, and social systems accounting. Fox's research and publications have made a significant impact in the study of social and behavioral sciences.

The collection (1917-1991, n.d.) contains correspondence, research materials, publications, and biographical information. The majority of the materials document Fox's role as Head of the Department of Economics at Iowa State University, his research and publication activities, and his involvement in professional organizations.