Dr. Cara Simmons
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Director, Assistant to the Dean for Leadership Development and Diversity, and Adjunct Faculty Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Counseling and Student Personnel Services | University of Georgia | 2018 |
| M.Ed. | College Student Affairs Administration | University of Georgia | 2007 |
| A.B. | History, Minors in Religion + Sociology | University of Georgia | 2003 |
Research
Faculty Awareness and Knowledge of Student Support Structures
Identity Development of Emerging Adults with Involved Parents
Teaching
- FACS 2000: Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 2001: Leadership in Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 5910/7910: Internship in Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 5905/7905: FACS Legislative and Congressional Aide Internship
- FHCE 7910: Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics Internship
- ECHD 7460: Issues in Student Affairs Administration
- ECHD 7740: Practicum in College Student Affairs
Prior Professional Positions
| Organization | Title | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|
| UGA College of Veterinary Medicine | Office of Graduate Affairs | Program Coordinator | 4 |
| UGA Office of Student Conduct | Student Affairs | Coordinator | 3 |
| UGA Campus Reservations | Student Affairs | Coordinator | 2 |
| UGA Student Activities | Student Affairs | Operations Specialist | 3 |
| UGA Office of the President | Clerk | 1 |
Awards
| Award Name | Awarded By | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 40 Under 40 | University of Georgia Alumni Association | 2021 |
| 40 Under 40 | Georgia Trend Magazine | 2021 |
| LEAD Athens | Athens Area Chamber of Commerce | 2021 |
| Sweaney Innovation Fund | College of Family and Consumer Sciences | 2020 |
| Student Affairs Research Grant | University of Georgia Division of Student Affairs | 2019 |
| FACS 100 Centennial Honoree | College of Family and Consumer Sciences | 2018 |
| Nettie Marie Nickols Outstanding Staff Award | College of Family and Consumer Sciences | 2017 |
| Super-Includer Award | College of Family and Consumer Sciences | 2017 |
| Women's Staff Leadership Institute | University of Georgia Human Resources | 2017 |
| Living the Mission - Group | University of Georgia Division of Student Affairs | 2010 |
Service
| Organization | Title | Year(s) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences | President | 2021 - 2022 | Professional |
| Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Planning Group | Chair | 2021 - 2022 | College |
| Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee | Member | 2020 - 2021 | College |
| AAFCS Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee | Member | 2021 - 2022 | Professional |
| National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences | Member | 2021 - present | Professional |
| Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences | Chair, Diversity and Inclusion | 2020 - 2022 | Professional |
| Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences | President-Elect | 2020 - 2021 | Professional |
| American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Leadership Council | Member | 2020 - 2022 | Professional |
| Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences | State Student Unit Advisor | 2015 - 2020 | Professional |
| American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences | Member | 2015 - present | Professional |
| TEDxUGA Advisory Council | Member, Former Organizer | 2017 - present | Institutional |
| Athens Area Diaper Bank Board of Directors | Member | 2020 - present | Community |
| UGA Gymnastics Ten-O Board of Directors | Member + Secretary | 2018 - 2021 | Community |
Current Classes
- FACS 2000: Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 2001: Leadership in Family and Consumer Sciences
- FACS 5910/7910: Internship in Family and Consumer Sciences
Job Description
Dr. Cara Simmons is director of the Student Success and Advising Center, assistant to the dean for leadership development and diversity, an adjunct faculty member in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and graduate faculty in the Mary Frances Early College of Education. She is responsible for leading the center’s activities around prospective student recruitment, new student orientation, academic advising, internships, fellowships, retention, budgeting, career development, teaching, course design, student involvement and leadership, experiential learning, student programming, and support services initiatives such as Bulldog Basics.
In addition to her responsibilities as director, Dr. Simmons is the course coordinator for FACS 2000, Introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences and teaches FACS 2001, Leadership in Family and Consumer Sciences. She also facilitates the Faculty Ambassador Program. In her roles, Dr. Simmons works closely with organizations, departments, units, and individuals within the college, across campus, and in the state.
Dr. Simmons received an A.B. in History with minors in Religion and Sociology, a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. Her experience at UGA includes positions in the Office of the President, the Division of Student Affairs, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Simmons joined the College of Family and Consumer Sciences in August 2014.
Student Development Philosophy
I hope the work I do allows each student to be their best self.
Journal Articles
Linder, C. & Simmons, C. W. (2015). Career and program choice of students of color in student affairs programs. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 52(4), 414-426. doi:10.1080/19496591.2015.1081601