Dr. Ruth J. Simmons is a pioneering educator and leader. She was the first Black president of an Ivy League school, Brown University, and the first woman to lead Prairie View A&M University. She also served as president of Smith College and held leadership roles at Spelman College and Princeton University. Dr. Simmons earned her B.A. from Dillard University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Romance literature from Harvard University. She is known worldwide for her commitment to education, racial justice, and cultural advancement. An honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she is also a recipient of the National Humanities Medal.
