James M. Simmons

James M. Simmons
10th President of Lamar University
Term 1999 – Present
Predecessor Rex Cottle
Successor Incumbent
Born 17 March 1942
Beaumont, Beaumont
Alma mater Memphis State University
Residence Beaumont, Texas
Profession Educator, Administrator, Musician
Spouse Susan Simmons

James M. Simmons (commonly referred to as Jimmy Simmons or Dr. Simmons) is an educational administrator, musician and university president at Lamar University. James Simmons is the 10th president of Lamar serving the 11th term in that office.[1]

Simmons is widely regarded as one of the most successful presidents in Lamar University's history. He has won numerous awards for his successful administration. In 2011 the Press Club of Southeast Texas named him Newsmaker of the Decade.[2] He previously received the award as Newsmaker of the Year in 2009 and 1999; Simmons is the only person to ever win the award twice.[3]

In February 2011 Simmons was honored by Phi Mu Alpha as a Signature Sinfonian. Simmons is a member of Phi Mu Alpha which is a music fraternity.[4]

In April 2009 Simmons received the prestigious Chief Executive Leadership Award for region IV of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Region IV of CASE includes: Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mexico.[5]

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Early life

Education

Simmons graduated from Beaumont High School in the spring of 1960. James Simmons started his college studies at Memphis State University in the fall of 1960. He graduated with a bachelors of science degree in music in 1964. He earned a Masters degree from the University of Houston and a doctorate from McNeese State University.

Music

Throughout his educational career, Simmons has attracted acclaim as a performer on clarinet, saxophone and piano and continues to maintain a performance schedule. [6]

Lamar

Simmons’ career with Lamar began in 1970 when he joined the faculty as an instructor and director of the marching band.[7] He rose through the ranks, later serving as director of bands and as chair of the Department of Music and Theatre before his appointment as dean. Dr. Simmons took office September 1, 1999 proceeding Dr. Cottle as the 10th president of Lamar University.[8] Under Dr. Simmons leadership Lamar has advanced on many fronts. The Investing in the Future Campaign he started has raised $80 million for Lamar since it was announced in 2008.[9]

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