Simmons Academic Governance

Standing Committees 2025-26

Research Council

Charge: Promotes the development of high-quality research efforts and raises and addresses issues related to research and grant opportunities within Simmons. The council shall facilitate collaboration within and across departments, colleges, and schools in order to promote on-gong and new research initiatives and shall find ways to promote research events and grant opportunities for junior faculty. Other responsibilities may include matters related to: IRB requirements, Principal Investigator challenges, interdisciplinary opportunities, and investment of resources to further the academic and research enterprise.

Members:

  • Corey Brady – Chair, Office of the Dean, Associate Dean for Research and Outreach
  • Eric Bing – Global Health
  • Kathryn Canterbury – Office of the Dean
  • Greta Davis – Counseling
  • Leanne Ketterlin Geller – Research in Mathematics Education
  • Kate Montgomery – Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Jordan Stevens – Office of the Dean 
  • Jeanna Wieselmann  – Teaching & Learning
  • Annie Wright – The Addy Foundation Center on Research & Evaluation

Appointment: With the exception of the graduate student representative, who shall serve a one-year term, terms are set at 2 or 3 years to provide overlap from year to year. 

Academic Affairs Council (AAC)

Charge: Review curriculum, new program proposals, and academic policies and procedures in order to ensure their consistency with SMU's strategic academic priorities and supports the development and implementation of high–quality online and hybrid programming in Simmons by maintaining an infrastructure for instructional design, structured course–module development, quality review standards and processes, institutional compliance and innovative excellence. The AAC reports to the Dean and merged with the Technology Advisory Council to streamline the work of both governing bodies, which ensures faculty governance of program and course approval.

Technical Requirements for Simmons Hybrid/Digital Courses

Members:

  • Willis Jones – Chair, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Office of the Dean
  • Watt Lesley Black – Education Policy & Leadership 
  • Peter Carton – Physiology & Sport Management 
  • Francesca Go – Assistant Dean Faculty for Assessment and Accreditation, Office of the Dean
  • John Potter – Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Quentin Sedlacek – Teaching & Learning
  • LaKaavia Taylor – Counseling

Appointment:

Meeting Dates: Once a month

Faculty Research Publications and Presentations: For the most current Academic Affairs Digest, click here.

Ph.D. Executive Committee

Charge: Reviews annual student recruitment, admission, funding issues, curriculum, faculty instructional assignments, student advisement, and Ph.D. program policies.

Members:

  • Jeanna Wieselmann – Chair, Teaching & Learning
  • Sondra Barringer – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Corey Brady – Associate Dean for Research and Outreach
  • Scott Davis – Applied Physiology & Sport Management
  • Leanne Ketterlin Geller – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Prajakt Pande – Teaching & Learning
  • Kelsey Schenck – Teaching & Learning

Appointment: a 3-year term appointed by the department chair

Meeting Dates:
TBD

Communications/Public Relations

Charge: Promotes Simmons program and department activities and news and prioritizes what the School promotes through ÃÛÌÒ½´and external channels.

Members:

  • Annette Gonzales Taylor – Chair, Office of the Dean
  • Pamela Bailey – The Addy Foundation Center on Research & Evaluation
  • Roxanne Burleson – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Rose Chavez – Office of the Dean
  • LaChelle Cunningham – College Access
  • Christine Ferguson – Institue for Leadership Impact & Global Health
  • Cassandra Hatfield – Research in Mathematics Education
  • Becky Hood – Office of the Dean
  • Johnitha Johnson – Teaching & Learning
  • Kortney Jones Slaughter – Applied Physiology & Sport Management  
  • Jessica Murillo – The Budd Center
  • Brandy Schumann – Counseling
  • Breya White – Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies

Appointment: Department or program chairs, terms of service are one year

Meeting Dates: Once a month

Educator Preparation Program Directors and TEA Certification Preparations

Charge: Responsible for understanding of TEA rules and regulations. Discusses and resolves compliance issues, and implements policy and practice that is consistent across programs.

Members:

  • Roxanne Burleson – Education Policy & Leadership, Superintendent and Principal Classes
  • Mario De La Garza – Counseling, Counselor Class
  • Karla del Rosal – Teaching & Learning, Teacher Class
  • Francesca Go – Assistant Dean Faculty for Assessment and Accreditation, Office of the Dean
  • Magdalena Pando – Teaching & Learning, Teacher Class

Texas Educator Certifications: For information on Texas Educator Certifications from the Texas Education Agency, click .

Complaints Against Educator Preparation Programs: For information about filing a complaint against Educator Preparation Programs with the Texas Education Agency, click .

Educator Preparation Programs Available in the Simmons School: These programs prepare students to meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Education Agency.

Appointment: Job role

Meeting Dates: Monthly

Simmons Educator Preparation Programs Advisory Council

Charge: Discusses the design, delivery, evaluation, and major policy decisions of the teacher, administrator, and school counselor preparation programs at ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University. In accordance with TAC 228.25, the Council plays an integral role in the accreditation and review process of the Simmons School and its educator certification programs.

Members: TEA Program Directors, Certification Officers, and School and Community Partners

Appointment: Nomination by Simmons Educator Preparation Program Directors