After more than three decades at the Pratt School of Engineering—and a legacy of mentorship and commitment to her students—Connie Simmons, associate dean for undergraduate affairs, will retire in January 2015.
Simmons has worked at Duke since 1978. Beginning as a secretary under former dean of Pratt Aleksandar Vesic, she soon rose in the ranks—and made an impact on thousands of students in the process, colleagues say.
“She’s a singularity, and there is no way to replace someone like her,” said Thomas Katsouleas, dean of Pratt, who has worked with Simmons since his appointment seven years ago. “Considering that [Pratt] is 75 years old, she’s been here half of that time. In many ways, really, this is her school.”
Katsouleas noted that one of the most outstanding aspects of Simmons’ career as an an academic dean is her close relationships with students. Years after graduating, many students recall Simmons and return to see her during reunions, he said.
“And these former students are joined by current students who are also waiting in line to see her now," Katsouleas said. "It’s just really unique, because where else have you seen something like that?”
Simmons’ primary role as the associate dean for undergraduate affairs is to offer one-on-one academic advising and guidance to Pratt students. Many students have expressed their gratitude to Simmons for arranging their class schedule and providing constructive advice.
“Connie has helped me put together my schedule every single semester I've been at Duke,” junior Max Staebler said. “She's the most dedicated member of the Pratt team and always makes time to help any student that asks. She is also just the most supportive person, always checking in when she sees you to ask how you're doing.”
Sophomore Joshua Xu added he was especially impressed with Simmons’ candor during student advising.
“She is fearless, she says what's on her mind,” he said. “[She is] absolutely unafraid to tell you how it is.”
Simmons has served under six deans of Pratt and four University presidents. During her tenure, Pratt has undergone a series of strategic and structural reforms—the construction of both the Teer Building and Fitzpatrick Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine and Applied Sciences, as well as the creation of many research fellowships for students, all happened under Simmons’ watch.
“The school has evolved, and our educational curriculum is much richer," Katsouleas said. "We now have all kinds of overseas opportunities, research fellowships, and [Simmons] has helped in a rich array of these opportunities. However, some things haven’t changed in that Pratt has always prioritized student-led initiatives. [Simmons] supported and nurtured students and encouraged them greatly.”
Sophomore Henry Yuen, a member of the executive board for Engineering Student Government, noted Simmons’ crucial role in facilitating academic flexibility among Pratt students.
“She is the reason why students who aspire to take part in every facet of Duke education, from minoring to Bass Connections to FOCUS, are graduating in four years and on time,” he said. “She knows all the requirements off the back of her hand and works to ensure students end up with the plan that they want.”
Over her 37 years of service at the University, Simmons has been honored with many awards, including the school of engineering's distinguished service award in 1996.
“It has been an amazing journey to be able to have had an impact on the lives of students, faculty and staff in Pratt over the years,” Simmons wrote in an email Tuesday. “I have witnessed the great growth of the school though increasing enrollment of students, faculty and staff, new programs...and now look forward to beginning a new chapter in my life.”
A reception will be held on Jan. 27, 2015 to commemorate Simmons' Duke career.
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