Office of the Dean of Students

In 2021, Dr. Simmons partnered with university colleagues on grant-writing initiatives totaling over $1 million in awards. He was instrumental in establishing the standalone Office of Mental and Emotional Wellness, leading the development of the 2023–2026 DU Mental and Emotional Wellness Strategic Plan, creating both the DU Behavioral Intervention and C.A.R.E.S. Teams, building regional student support networks, and reducing the stigma surrounding student conduct processes.

Dr. Simmons also served as Dillard University’s Presidential Co-Chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, Vice Chair of the University’s Retention and Finish Committee, and a member of the Institutional Review Board. In addition to his administrative duties, he advised several student organizations, including the National Pan-Hellenic Council, EleVate, and Tri-Alpha: The National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students.

Before joining the Dillard University community, Dr. Simmons held professional roles at Kentucky State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Atlanta Metropolitan State College. He also brings experience from both private and public sector corporate settings. In higher education, Dr. Simmons has earned several honors, including the Kentucky State University Presidential Award of Excellence in Student Services and the Staff Member of the Year Award at Xavier University of Louisiana. He is a fellow of the Bluegrass Higher Education Academic Leadership Foundation (BHEAL) and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.) – Greater Eta. Dr. Simmons was also featured in Diverse Issues in Higher Education for his op-ed, Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself: A Message on Behalf of Greatly Underinvested, Often Forgotten Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid professional through the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Dr. Simmons is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society; Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha); Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education; Golden Key International Honour Society; and numerous professional associations, including NASPA, NASAP, KABHE, COE, SEAOPP, and NODA. In Fall 2024, Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Simmons as one of its “40 Under 40 Outstanding Alumni.”

He lives by the motto: “Greatness Always, in… all… ways…” and serves as a dedicated mentor to emerging leaders across the nation, including Ms. Tracy Brown (University of Houston – Downtown), Mr. Niles Dixon (Houston Baptist University), Mr. Anthony Freeman (Meharry Medical College), Mr. Michael Weaver (University of Wisconsin – Madison), Mr. Edward Wiggins (Auburn University), and Dr. Kylar Wiltz (Howard University Medical School).