Alicia Simmons Named Acting Director of Institutional Research and Assessment

Alicia Simmons

Jacksonville State University President William A. Meehan has named Alicia Simmons as acting director of institutional research and assessment.

An alumna of Jacksonville State University (class of 1985), Ms. Simmons said, “What an honor to serve Jacksonville State University in this capacity.  I look forward to continuing the good work that many capable individuals have provided over the years in assessment and institutional research.”

President Meehan said, "Since graduating from JSU 20 years ago, Ms. Simmons has gained much valuable experience working with federal agencies that will benefit the university. We are grateful to have her with us."

Ms. Simmons holds a B.S. degree from JSU with a major in sociology and minors in social work and gerontology.   She earned her master's in social work at the University of Michigan with concentrations in administration, research, and evaluation. She plans to complete her Ph.D. in social work from the University of Georgia this summer.

Ms. Simmons served as a consultant to several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she directed the grant review system for child and family service agencies for more than eight years. She also supervised national conferences for the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, and other federal clients.

Ms. Simmons also served on national research projects focused on the quality of Head Start, managed child abuse prevention programs, facilitated strategic planning initiatives for a training and technical assistance firm, and most recently completed secondary analysis of grandparent foster caregivers using a national sample.

Ms. Simmons taught graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Michigan and the University of Georgia.

According to Ms. Simmons, “Institutional research and assessment is about ensuring that our university gathers and uses information through a continuous process and in a meaningful way. It supports a climate that values continuous improvement focused on student learning.  I can’t imagine a more challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to Jacksonville State University.”

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