The job of a University President isn’t a simple one. Ruth J. Simmons has led 2 major universities (1995 – 2012) and is currently, after a five year break, leading a third university.
Ruth Simmons was offered her first President position at Smith College. She was the first African American to lead a major university. Six years later her trailblazing career would continue. Much to her surprise she humbly admitted, she was considered and selected as the 18th President of Brown University. She was the first African American to lead an Ivy League university. Five years after stepping down from one of the most successful administrations in Brown’s long history, an opportunity to lead a Black college in Texas presented itself. After half a year as Interim President of Prairie View A&M University, Ruth Simmons accepted a position as the President in December 2017.
“That she is confident (without being arrogant), keeps her ego in line, and practiced an open door policy at Brown (for students and staff) makes her journey even more compelling. In reading material for this Series, I see more humility than hubris. I see more ‘we did’ than ‘I did’. A lot of Leaders should Lead Like Ruth”. (from Ruth J. Simmons: A Trailblazing University Leader)
While Part 1 described in words the compelling life and professional story of Ruth Simmons, as summarized above, the sole goal of this post is to offer 2 short videos which tell her story (in less than 8 minutes) – in a way that no words can.
The next post in this series on Ruth Simmons will be published in about 10 days or so.
- The first video, produced by the Texas A&M University System, gives a good overview of her life story and what she has done at Prairie View in the last two years or so.
- The second video, produced by the Providence Journal, captures her connection with students just before stepping down – after eleven years leading Brown University.
Photo credit: Brown University
