Peach Tree Times

Following a nationwide search, Kelley Brock-Simmons, Ph.D., has been chosen as the new dean of the College of Education at Brenau University, effective June 1.

Brock-Simmons is the current director of Brenau’s Doctor of Education program and an associate professor of education. She has been a faculty member at Brenau for eight years.

“I am both humbled and honored to lead the College of Education into the next phase of growth,” Brock-Simmons said. “It is my great fortune to have with me a wonderful team of faculty and staff who share in the commitment of our continued success. Having a shared vision of student success, student growth and faculty collegiality ensures positive outcomes for our students. I look forward to showcasing the best of what we do.”

Brock-Simmons has a doctorate in education and special education from American University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Jim Eck, Ph.D., Brenau provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Brock-Simmons was unanimously selected by the search committee after interviews with three finalists.

“It was the view of the search committee that under any scenario, Dr. Brock-Simmons was the ideal choice,” Eck said, expressing appreciation for the committee’s work. “I share in the committee’s strong stance that we have selected the very best candidate to lead the continuous improvement of the college. Dr. Brock-Simmons has my full support, and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead.”

Brock-Simmons brings a strong history of K-12 education experience to the role, having served as a classroom teacher and school principal for more than 15 years.

Before coming to Brenau in 2015, Brock-Simmons was the chief operating officer for The Sunshine House, a company focused on early childhood education with locations in eight states. She was associate vice president for professional learning with AdvancED, the parent company of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, where she developed training content for state directors of education, superintendents and school leadership teams.

Her expertise in instructional design and delivery and organizational development also has been sought in a consultant role by the U.S. Department of Education, the Louisiana State Department of Education, the government of Qatar and others.

“I am passionate about developing a school’s most valuable asset, its students, to contribute to organizational and personal goals and growth,” Brock-Simmons said. “Creating sustainable change happens by educating, validating, and inspiring students to dream bigger, expect more, perform with competence and heart, and value a culture of service.”

Original source can be found here.