March 15, 2013

Marcie Hatfield Simms, formerly director of Resident Life, has been appointed the new Dean of Students at Shawnee State University. In this role she will serve as the university's chief student conduct officer and advocate.

Simms has been serving in an interim role in the position for the past several months. She brings a wealth of experience in student development, student activities, student life administration, student judicial affairs, mediation, crisis management, and co-curricular academic support initiatives.

"My job is to help students understand the student code and if they do violate the code there are consequences but at the same time we're here to help them grow," said Simms. "Students will also continue to see me as a resource person. It's a lot of responsibility and I'm excited to do it."

Simms has served in a variety of roles at SSU since she began working at the university in 2005. Before coming to SSU she also served in a range of capacities at Florida State University, Eastern Kentucky University and Marshall University.

She has received several awards and recognitions including Advisor of the Year at Florida State and Advisor of the Month from the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH).

Simms has presented at national and regional professional conferences on issues and best practices in student development and student life.

"As director of Residence Life, Marcie has demonstrated significant and inspired student life leadership and spearheaded the implementation of various student success initiatives," said Mary Oling-Sisay, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs. "She has also collaborated with others on campus to implement living and learning communities in the residence halls."

Simms understands and appreciates the value of educating students about resources available to them and at the same time holding them accountable.

Simms holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs from Eastern Kentucky University.