Ruth J. Simmons, the eighth president of Prairie View A&M University and the first woman to hold the position in the institution’s history, was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Joe during a ceremony at the White House. The medal honors individuals who have profoundly enriched the understanding of the human condition through contributions to history and cultural access.
Simmons’ Impact
Dr. Simmons’ receipt of the National Humanities Medal is a testament to her groundbreaking leadership and dedication to education. Under her guidance, Prairie View A&M saw significant advancements, including a remarkable 40% growth in its endowment and an increase in fundraising efforts that boosted financial aid for students. Notably, in 2020, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made a landmark $50 million donation to the university, which Dr. Simmons effectively allocated to transformative initiatives. These included the establishment of The Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice and the renowned Toni Morrison Writing Program, created in honor of the celebrated author and Dr. Simmons’ former student, MacKenzie Scott.
As a distinguished professor of literature within the Romance languages, Dr. Simmons has been recognized for her academic prowess, her service to the community, and her contributions to cultural discourse. Her accolades include fellowship invitations from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, the Centennial Medal from Harvard University, and the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal. Furthermore, she received the Susan Colver Rosenberger Medal from Brown University and was honored as Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor.
During the ceremony, President Biden highlighted the essential role honorees like Dr. Simmons play in society, stating, “You all help us find meaning and purpose in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary, providing hope, wisdom, and laughter when we needed it, and we needed a way forward. With absolute courage, you combat racial stereotypes, confront ghosts of history, and speak truth to power.”
Other Prairie View A&M Recipients
Among the distinguished recipients of this year’s National Humanities Medals were other notable figures with ties to Prairie View A&M, including Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, and Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation. Dr. Simmons previously welcomed Alexander to Prairie View A&M in November 2022 for a discussion with the university community.
Since its inception in 1996, the National Humanities Medal has been awarded to 225 recipients, acknowledging exceptional contributions to the humanities, including 207 individuals and 18 organizations.
Currently serving as the President’s Distinguished Fellow at Rice University, Ruth J. Simmons continues to influence the field of education, culminating a remarkable 50-year journey.