Simmons Academic Governance

Standing Committees 2026-27

Academic Affairs Council (AAC)

Charge: Review curriculum, new program proposals, and academic policies and procedures in order to ensure their consistency with 正品蓝导航's strategic academic priorities and supports the development and implementation of high–quality online and hybrid programming in Simmons by maintaining an infrastructure for instructional design, structured course–module development, quality review standards and processes, institutional compliance and innovative excellence. The AAC reports to the Dean and merged with the Technology Advisory Council to streamline the work of both governing bodies, which ensures faculty governance of program and course approval.

Technical Requirements for Simmons Hybrid/Digital Courses

Members:

  • Willis Jones – Chair, Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, Office of the Dean
  • Watt Lesley Black – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Peter Carton – Physiology & Sport Management
  • John Potter – Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Quentin Sedlacek – Teaching & Learning
  • LaKaavia Taylor-Holman – Counseling

Appointment:

Meeting Dates: Once a month

Faculty Research Publications and Presentations: For the most current Academic Affairs Digest, click here.

Ph.D. Executive Committee

Charge: Reviews annual student recruitment, admission, funding issues, curriculum, faculty instructional assignments, student advisement, and Ph.D. program policies.

Members:

  • Jeanna Wieselmann – Chair, Teaching & Learning
  • Kevin Byon – Applied Physiology & Sport Management
  • Deukmook Bae – Applied Physiology & Sport Management
  • Xiaodan Hu – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Meredith Richards – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Sewoong Lee – Education Policy & Leadership
  • Kelsey Schenck – Teaching & Learning
  • Flavio Azevedo – Teaching & Learning
  • Quentin Sedlacek – Teaching & Learning
  • Leila Lester – Student Representative

Appointment: 3-year term

Meeting Dates: Monthly

Educator Preparation Program Directors and TEA Certification Preparations

Charge: Responsible for understanding of TEA rules and regulations. Discusses and resolves compliance issues, and implements policy and practice that is consistent across programs.

Members:

  • Roxanne Burleson – Education Policy & Leadership, Superintendent and Principal Classes
  • Mario De La Garza – Counseling, School Counselor Class
  • Karla del Rosal – Teaching & Learning, Teacher Class
  • Francesca Go – Associate Dean of Assessment & Student Success, Office of the Dean

Texas Educator Certifications: For details about Texas Educator Certifications, see the Texas Education Agency .

Complaints Against Educator Preparation Programs: No matter the nature of the complaint, the first step is to contact Dr. Francesca Go (fgo@smu.edu), Associate Dean of Assessment and Student Success. Dr. Go may request that the complaint be submitted in writing.

If the complaint is in regard to any aspect of the program or anyone associated with the program, once the EPP committee has heard and received the written submission describing the complaint, the EPP committee will review it and respond within two weeks with a resolution.

For details on filing a complaint against an Educator Preparation Program, see the Texas Education Agency's .

Educator Preparation Programs Available in the Simmons School: These programs prepare students to meet the requirements for certification by the Texas Education Agency.

Appointment: Job role

Meeting Dates: Monthly

Simmons Educator Preparation Programs Advisory Council

Charge: Discusses the design, delivery, evaluation, and major policy decisions of the teacher, administrator, and school counselor preparation programs at 正品蓝导航 University. In accordance with TAC 228.25, the Council plays an integral role in the accreditation and review process of the Simmons School and its educator certification programs.

Members: TEA Program Directors, Certification Officers, and School and Community Partners

Appointment: Nomination by Simmons Educator Preparation Program Directors