Dr. Simmons holds the distinction of becoming the first woman to serve as a vice president of the world Seventh-day Adventist Church. An educator throughout her career, Simmons has served in departments of education as chair (Kentucky State University), associate dean (University of Louisville), and professor (Oakwood College, La Sierra University). She has also added administrative experience as academic vice president of Oakwood and provost and academic vice president for La Sierra. Simmons has been a prominent member of accreditation and corporate boards within the church and in the community. She holds her graduate degrees from Andrews University (Master’s) and the University of Louisville (Doctorate).

Simmons and her husband, Nord, a retired high school teacher, have two adult sons who are also educators; Darryl and Christopher.