It is with much sadness that I write today to share news about the passing of Dr. William “Bill” Kahl, who served as the first provost at Simmons during a particularly transformative period for our University.
Although I did not have the honor of knowing Dr. Kahl personally, I’m so grateful for his many contributions to Simmons. Dr. Kahl was a historian and a powerful advocate for women’s education. He joined the Simmons faculty in 1947 as a professor of history. In 1964, Simmons created the position of provost, and Dr. Kahl became the first person to serve in this role. During the next decade, Dr. Kahl implemented a number of changes and initiatives that continue to have a positive and lasting impact on Simmons today.
Assisted by his hard work and leadership, Simmons in the 1960s undertook a reorganization of the undergraduate college and curriculum to create a new academic department structure. In addition, Dr. Kahl was instrumental in advocating for the development of humanities-related graduate programs and the creation of the then graduate program in management. In response to the Black Student Organization’s Ten Demands of 1969, Dr. Kahl helped Simmons establish the Africana Studies department, while also advocating for new and innovative curriculum developments for self-designed majors.
Dr. Kahl served as provost at Simmons for twelve years before becoming president of Russell Sage College in New York. At both institutions, Dr. Kahl played a critical role in modernizing women’s education and curriculum, which helped to pave the way for women to establish bold careers that often challenged the norms of the time. As someone who was born during the Great Depression, Dr. Kahl understood the power of education, and he could often be found reading books or newspapers in his favorite reading chair.
On behalf of Dr. Kahl’s former students, colleagues and the entire Simmons community, I want to send our deepest condolences to his family, including his wife, Mary, and his two children Frederick and Sarah. Our University is so grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from Dr. Kahl’s leadership, expertise, and passion.