Elizabeth H. Simmons

Elizabeth H. Simmons, author of the Mend the Gap column, is executive vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of California, San Diego. Previously she was Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development at Michigan State University, where she led the Academic Advancement Network and was dean of Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Simmons’ physics research focuses on the origins of the masses of the elementary subatomic particles -- particularly the W and Z bosons that transmit the weak nuclear force and the heaviest known particle, the top quark. She earned her Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from Harvard University, her M.Phil. as a Churchill Scholar at Cambridge University, and her undergraduate physics degree at Harvard. As an academic leader, her interests include evidence-based and interdisciplinary STEM education, faculty professional development, and creating inclusive academic communities. She leads workshops and offers consulting on diversity, faculty development, and academic finance. Her professional website is here. Mend the Gap addresses topics bridging the divide between faculty and administrators, in order to foster better communication and collaboration. Readers are welcome to suggest topics for future columns.

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Most Recent Articles

November 15, 2018
Dealing with the surprises new chief academic officers may encounter (opinion)
Based on her recent experience at a major public university, Elizabeth H. Simmons reflects on the surprises new chief academic officers may encounter in their first year.
March 8, 2018
Academics' experiences in unfamiliar situations can help them better understand students (opinion)
Our own experiences in unfamiliar environments can help us appreciate the kinds of sustained support our students need, writes Elizabeth H. Simmons.
September 7, 2017
How to be an effective acting director, chair or dean -- Part II (essay)
Serving as an acting director, chair or dean? Elizabeth H. Simmons suggests how to approach issues of symbolism and presentation as you go about your work.
August 31, 2017
How to be an effective acting director, chair or dean -- part I (essay)
Stepping up to serve as an acting director, chair or dean? Elizabeth H. Simmons offers perspective on how to approach the tasks that lie ahead.
March 2, 2017
How senior academic administrators can support faculty outside the tenure track (essay)
Elizabeth H. Simmons offers advice on how deans, chairs and directors can make academics outside the tenure system feel valued, rewarded, included and consulted.
March 24, 2016
How to repurpose scholarly skills to become an effective leader (essay)
Nervous about a new leadership role? Review your scholarly skill set and prepare to apply it in a fresh context, says Elizabeth H. Simmons.
November 9, 2015
A Halloween costume debate and how we teach about societal issues (essay)
Debates about racist Halloween costumes remind us that a university should teach students how to reflect on significant societal issues, writes Elizabeth H. Simmons.
January 9, 2015
How to discuss diversity and inclusion on campus (essay)
Diversity and inclusion can be challenging ideals to discuss, let alone realize. Elizabeth Simmons shares strategies gleaned from conversations with trusted colleagues.
December 12, 2014
How to ask interview questions that show you're interested in the job (essay)
About to interview for an academic position? Elizabeth Simmons suggests how to ask questions that convey your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
September 12, 2014
How leadership fellowships can bolster your career (essay)
Considering academic leadership at the institutional level? Elizabeth Simmons explains how pursuing a fellowship both prepared her for future positions and altered her perspective on her current position.

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