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 inthe 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.
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.
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.
Elizabeth H. Simmons offers advice on how deans, chairs and directors can make academics outside the tenure system feel valued, rewarded, included and consulted.
Debates about racist Halloween costumes remind us that a university should teach students how to reflect on significant societal issues, writes Elizabeth H. Simmons.
Diversity and inclusion can be challenging ideals to discuss, let alone realize. Elizabeth Simmons shares strategies gleaned from conversations with trusted colleagues.
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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