No. 60: Ruth Simmons
Episode Transcript
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Imagine becoming the first Black president of an Ivy League institution—at a time when academia was still trying to find its way out of the old boys’ club. Well, that’s exactly what Ruth Simmons did. But her life? Oh, it’s far more than a list of firsts.
Hey everyone, I’m Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, and welcome to another episode of the '100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day' podcast. Today, we’re exploring the life of Ruth Simmons—both her groundbreaking tenure at Brown and the incredible work she’s done since.
Ruth Simmons’ story starts in 1945, in segregated Texas, where she was born to sharecropping parents. From a young age, she faced the harsh realities of poverty and racism, but her love for education became her escape. She went on to earn a PhD in Romance Languages from Harvard University and built an impressive career at places like Princeton and Spelman College. But she made history in 2001 when she became the first Black president of an Ivy League institution—Brown University.
At Brown, Simmons did more than just lead; she reshaped the university. One of her most groundbreaking acts was spearheading a report to address Brown’s historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade. This wasn’t a popular decision at the time, but Ruth Simmons was never one to shy away from difficult truths.
But her story didn’t end at Brown. After stepping down in 2012, Simmons became president of Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black institution in Texas. Prairie View was a homecoming of sorts for Simmons, who grew up not far from there.
In 2023, Simmons published her memoir, "Up Home: One Girl’s Journey," where she reflects on her childhood in rural Texas and how it shaped her values and vision. In the book, she discusses how poverty, racism, and her family’s influence drove her to become a leader who empowers others.
Her time after Brown has been just as impactful. Simmons continued to advise institutions on creating more equitable futures and confronting difficult histories. Even in semi-retirement, she remains a beacon of wisdom and guidance in higher education.
Ruth Simmons has shown that true leadership is about more than making history—it’s about making a difference. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate the podcast 5 stars to help spread these incredible stories. Follow me on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more powerful tales of Black women who changed the world. Let’s keep lifting each other up, one story at a time!
