Dr. Ruth Simmons

Professor

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Biography

Ruth J. Simmons is the 18th president of Brown University, serving from July 1, 2001, after previously leading Smith College. An influential academic leader, she has championed diversity in institutional goals, collaborative research, and minority faculty recruitment. Born as the 12th child to sharecropper parents in Texas, Simmons pursued her education fervently, achieving a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Dillard University and later earning her master’s and doctorate in Romance languages and literatures from Harvard University. Her career began at the University of New Orleans, followed by positions at California State University Northridge and the University of Southern California. She later directed Afro-American Studies at Princeton University and served as provost at Spelman College. Throughout her career, Simmons has advocated for underrepresented minorities in education, receiving numerous awards and honorary doctorates for her contributions to the field. Her work has been instrumental in shaping higher education and promoting inclusive initiatives for students and faculty alike.

Research Interests

Requirements for Brown University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in Economics or related field
Application Checklist
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE Scores
  • TOEFL/IELTS Scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Economics