President James M. Simmons Dr. James M. Simmons, Lamar University’s president, has led Lamar into a new era of dynamic growth. Momentum has been the watchword of Simm o n s ’ administration, a period in which enrollment recorded its largest increase in Lamar’s almost 90-year history, with more than 14,500 students in fall 2011. Even in the wake of two major storms – Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Rita in 2005 – Simmons and his team kept classes and graduation on schedule, restoring the campus after substantial damage as well as adding state-of-the-art facilities. In spring 2008, the university launched its first comprehensive campaign, “Investing in the Future,” with the ambitious goal of $100 million. Nearing that mark in January 2012, the goal was increased to $125 million. Impact of the campaign is far reaching – to include endowments for four named academic departments, gifts to support revival of the Cardinals’ football tradition, establishment of a major student fellowship program and substantial growth in scholarship funds. Simmons also implemented a master plan to enhance the campus through landscaping and buildings, most notably the Cardinal Village residence halls, which now
Texas State University System Board of Regents Charlie Amato – Chairman San Antonio Donna N. Williams – Vice Chairman Arlington Dr. Jaime R. Garza San Antonio Kevin J. Lilly Houston Ron Mitchell Horseshoe Bay David Montagne Beaumont Trisha Pollard Bellaire Rossanna Salazar Austin Michael Truncale Beaumont Ryan Bridges – Student Regent Huntsville
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accommodate more than 2,500 students. The Dining Hall, which opened in spring of 2006, and the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, dedicated in spring of 2007, further contribute to campus life. Renovations and expansions of several major academic buildings have been completed, are under way or are in planning phases. Lamar has also seen major enhancements to its athletic facilities, with the crown jewels including Provost Umphrey Stadium and the Dauphin Athletic Complex. VincentBeck Stadium and McDonald Gym have enjoyed major upgrades, and the LU Soccer and Softball Complex opened in 2009. The university’s designation as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is a powerful affirmation of Lamar’s high level of research activities. Recognizing that online programs are vital to the university’s future, Simmons has continually sought growth in that area. Today, more than 30 percent of LU’s credit hours are now generated through online courses; nearly 4,200 of the university’s students learn entirely online, and LU is a recognized leader in online education. Simmons took office as president on Sept. 1, 1999, bringing a wealth of perspective to the position. A Lamar veteran of more than four decades, he previously served as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and as interim executive director of university advancement. He began his Lamar career in 1970 as an instructor and director of the marching band. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as director of bands and as chair of the music department. Simmons is also a leader in community service, having garnered dozens of awards and accolades. He has attracted acclaim as an orchestra leader and as a performer on clarinet, saxophone and piano. Because of his leadership role, those pursuits have taken a back seat, but he often says music is his first love, and he continues to grace the stage. Simmons is known as an administrator with a strong sense of direction and a keen ability to attract and cultivate talented faculty – who, he stresses, are professionals who teach rather than professional teachers. His innovative approaches to the pursuit of academic excellence and his winning rapport with students, faculty, staff and the community are defining qualities. In April 2009, Simmons received the
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President's Staff Dr. James M. Simmons University President Dr. Stephen Doblin Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kevin Smith Senior Associate Provost Dr. Gregg Lassen Vice President for Finance and Operations Camille Mouton Vice President for University Advancement Priscilla Parsons Vice President for Information Technology Jason Henderson Director of Athletics Dr. Jack Hopper Associate Provost for Research Dr. Oney Fitzpatrick Associate Provost for Student Retention
Chief Executive Leadership Award from District 4 of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), which includes Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mexico. In 2011, he was named Newsmaker of the Decade by the Press Club of Southeast Texas. Another honor came his way in 2012 when Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity inducted him into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame.
James and Susan Simmons