Ruth Simmons

Ruth Simmons is an American university teacher and romanist born in Grapeland in 1945. She is a member of the African American ethnic group and identifies with Christianity. Her educational background includes studies at Harvard University and Dillard University.

Simmons has held positions at Brown University, Prairie View A&M University, the University of New Orleans, and California State University, Northridge. She also served as a rector. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

Her accolades include the Fulbright Scholarship, White House Fellows, and the National Humanities Medal. She is recognized within the American Academy Arts Sciences collection.