Simmons University’s School of Nursing (SON) welcomed six new faculty members this academic year. We asked our new faculty members what they want their students to know about nursing today, and about an experience that changed how they viewed their profession.

We are honored to welcome best-selling author Gregory Maguire ‘78MA as our morning Commencement speaker and Dr. Anthony Estreet as our afternoon Commencement speaker. In addition, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will offer special remarks at the morning ceremony.

• Commencement

Emily Crown ’26 reflects on her decision to major in Health and Exercise Science, the mentorship she received along the way, and the ways in which Simmons provided the opportunities, environment, and support she needed to be successful.

• Careers and Internships
• Mentorship
• Senior Profile

Kimberly R. Lavoie PhD’26 reflects on the most impactful part of her doctoral journey: conducting dissertation research, examining how school librarians understand and enact their roles in post-pandemic K–12 education.

• Careers and Internships
• Senior Profile

Social work major and first-generation college student Kim Richard ’26 shares her journey as an online degree completion student and how Simmons has prepared her to deliver care to clients.

• First-generation Student
• Online Student
• Senior Profile

Sydney Villegas ’26MS reflects on how she was encouraged to bring her interests and passions to her coursework and create projects that she was genuinely excited to explore as a graduate student in library and information science.

• Boston
• Careers and Internships
• Community Engagement
• Mentorship
• Senior Profile

Dr. Kathleen “Katie” Flynn ’26MPH reflects on choosing the master of public health (MPH) program due to its focus on health equity and the in-person learning experiences. She also discusses the program immersions and her Health Equity Change Project.

• Senior Profile

Roberta Holder-Mosley ’73 shares reflections on her long career in nursing, midwifery, and public service, as well as how art history, poetry, and Glee Club added richness to her Simmons experience.

• Behavioral and Health Sciences
• Careers and Internships

Simmons University recently hosted a Presidential Panel and Alumnae/i Tea in celebration of women’s college education. Planned in collaboration with the Women’s College Coalition, the event featured a panel discussion with presidents of Saint Mary’s College, Barnard College, and Mount Holyoke College, moderated by Simmons University President Lynn Perry Wooten.

Joanne Doucette ’01MS is a 2026 honoree of the "I Love My Librarian" Award. She is one of ten honorees selected from more than 1,300 nominations from library users nationwide.

• Awards and Honors