Anthropology professor Alan Simmons has been named associate dean of UNLV's Graduate College.
Simmons is an active participant in graduate studies and research at UNLV. Before joining the UNLV faculty in 1993, Simmons served on the research staff at the Desert Research Institute and as director of the office of archeological research at the University of Kansas Museum of Anthropology. He received both his master's degree and doctorate in anthropology from Southern Methodist University. In addition, he holds a master's degree in anthropology from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
In his new role, Simmons will work with Paul Ferguson, dean of the Graduate College, and with the Graduate Council to continue development and implementation of the college's strategic plan in support of UNLV's research mission.
"Dr. Simmons also will work to enhance admissions and records policies and procedures, including initiatives for electronic processing of Graduate College materials, and implementation of assessment programs to promote quality in all aspects of Graduate College services and programs," Ferguson said. "He brings an outstanding record of academic achievement to this new position."
Simmons has served on the Graduate Council and as graduate coordinator for the department of anthropology. He has participated in more than 40 archeological projects in the Near East, the Mediterranean, the U.S. Southwest, the Great Plains, and Canada and has published more than 120 articles, books/monographs, reviews, book chapters, and technical reports in journals such as Science and Nature. Simmons has also served as principal investigator on projects supported by more than $500,000 in competitive grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society.
