Simmons School of Education & Human Development

SMU’s Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies program in @smusimmons has been selected as the new host of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs’ national office. Only more evidence of this program’s growing esteem and national profile!!

An SMU Simmons alum, Ahou Vaziri Line, has been awarded a $20,000 grant to expand her parent engagement work in mental health care through Parent Partnership Consulting, scaling impact to improve outcomes for children. Read more: bit.ly/47ISZfC

SMU Simmons has created a new leadership role within the school: assistant dean for strategic initiatives and chief of staff. Stev’anne Horton will serve in the position, helping advance the school’s strategic priorities and coordinate initiatives across departments and centers.

Abby and Todd Williams are the 2026 recipients of the J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award, honored for decades of ethical leadership and commitment to educational opportunity across North Texas.

SMU’s Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies (@smuhcis) program will host the national office of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs. “Stepping into my new role is an opportunity to contribute to a wonderful organization,” said Lue Kraltchev.

Simmons researchers have been awarded $900,000 from the National Science Foundation to explore how AI-generated diagrams can transform math learning for middle school students. Read the full story in our inaugural edition of the Simmons Magazine, coming soon!

DLS candidate and MLS alumna Lue Kraltchev has been appointed National Office Administrative Manager, with Dr. Kate Montgomery, HCIS Department Chair, continuing her service on the AGLSP board. Congratulations to the entire HCIS team for this incredible accomplishment!!

Founded in 1975, AGLSP has served as a forum for interdisciplinary exchange among Graduate Liberal Studies programs. SMU has been proud to be connected to the Association since its earliest days through charter membership, leadership, and active student and alumni engagement

Exciting news! At the invitation of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (@AglspC) board, SMU HCIS has been selected as the new host of the Association’s national office 🎉

Big things are happening in STEM education at Simmons! Dr. Jeanna Wieselmann has been awarded nearly $5M for her research project. She will be working alongside Dr. Tony Petrosino and Dr. Janille Smith-Colin of SMU Lyle Engineering. Full story coming February 2026!

Thank you to everyone who stepped away from their desks to spend the afternoon with us at the Midday Mustang Meetup. It was so great connecting with our wonderful Simmons community!

When tragedy struck Texas, our Simmons counseling community stepped forward with compassion and care. In the aftermath of the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flooding, Simmons alumni and counseling interns volunteered their time and expertise to provide pro bono mental health support for individuals and families navigating loss, trauma, and uncertainty. Read the full story in our inaugural edition of the Simmons Magazine, coming February 2026!

Stay warm and safe this week!

Raised by resilience, shaped by education, and driven by service, Abby Williams ’94 embodies leadership that creates lasting impact. In the upcoming issue of the inaugural Simmons Magazine, we’re excited to feature Abby in a special spotlight recognizing leaders who open doors, lift others, and believe deeply in the power of education to change lives. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to giving back and to ensuring future generations have the opportunities they deserve. This feature is just one of many stories shaping the inaugural Simmons Magazine, a publication rooted in purpose, inspired by community, and driven by the people who make Simmons special. Keep an eye out for the print edition and get your own copy in February!

As conversations grow around women’s wages in North Texas, one of our PhD students is helping change the future through her work empowering girls in STEM. This @dallasnews feature highlights PhD candidate and founder of the @thegemscamp, @saki_milton. dallasnews.com/news/2026/01/2…

Southern Methodist University has been recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national distinction awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to building meaningful partnerships that connect teaching and research with real community impact. See the full press release: bit.ly/4qlXFQ7 We bring learning beyond campus and into the community. We’re grateful to everyone who makes this work possible and excited to continue building together in 2026.

We are excited to announce that Ryan Cole has joined the Simmons College of Education and Human Development as the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management! “I’m excited to step into a new role that builds on what I love most, helping prospective students see themselves at SMU and shaping pathways that expand access and opportunity. I’m looking forward to many opportunities to listen, learn, and build something meaningful in the incredible Simmons community.”

Looking to start 2026 happier and healthier? Dr. Farnoosh Nouri of @SMU_Counseling was quoted in @dallasnews on the value of bringing a specific resolution into 2026: “One thing that intrigues me about gratitude is we often think we are doing it for others, to make others feel good. In reality, what it does to our body, our immune system, to our cardiovascular health is incredible.” Read the full article here:  dallasnews.com/arts-entertain…

🎄 Simmons Serves - For Oak Cliff 🛼 This holiday season, Simmons community embraced the joy of giving at For Oak Cliff’s Annual Skating Party & Toy Giveaway! The event celebrated local students with perfect attendance and supported families in need, bringing warmth and cheer to South Oak Cliff. ✨A special thank you to For Oak Cliff CEO Taylor Toynes and Chief Impact Officer Xavier Henderson, both Simmons School graduates, for leading such an inspiring initiative. ✨A heartfelt shoutout to Dr. Toni Harrison-Kelly, Simmons Director of Alumni Affairs, whose dedication makes Simmons Serves events possible - creating opportunities for our alumni, faculty, staff, and students to come together and give back during the holidays and beyond. We can’t wait for our next Simmons Serves event on February 21st, 2026 at OurCalling, supporting people experiencing homelessness - save the date and join us in spreading kindness in our community! 🤝

Caps off to you, graduates! You did it!! 🎓🎓