Simmons, director of Wisconsin Idea Seminar for 19 years, retires
Miriam Simmons, longtime director of UW–Madison’s popular Wisconsin Idea Seminar, is retiring as assistant dean for Professional Development and Engagement in the Graduate School.
Simmons on one of the popular and informative bus tours of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Idea Seminar annually takes a select group of 35 to 40 new faculty and academic staff on a bus tour around the state to hear from, learn about, and connect with the people of Wisconsin. Simmons has organized the tour since 1993.
As director, Simmons was responsible for determining the speakers, topics, routes and itineraries for each tour, lining up locations where UW–Madison faculty and staff have been active in partnering with and serving Wisconsin residents. Although the specific sites vary from year to year, the constants are a dairy farm, another UW System campus, a correctional institution, Wisconsin industries, a Native American reservation, tourism sites, Milwaukee schools and Aldo Leopold’s Shack.
Faculty and staff participants value the experience because it gives them an opportunity to see how the UW is at work in the state and see a slice of Wisconsin they wouldn’t ordinarily have a chance to see. It gives them a better sense of where their students come from, and allows them to get to know each other and share their experiences as new employees of the university.
Simmons has guided approximately 750 faculty and staff on the seminar during her 19 years as director. Participants are nominated by school and college deans, and Simmons was responsible for ensuring that there was a balance among different areas of the campus.
“Much of the seminar’s success can be attributed to Miriam’s exceptional organizational skills and her ability to work constructively with a wide variety of constituents,” said Graduate School Dean Martin Cadwallader.
Simmons, a native Wisconsinite born in Wisconsin Rapids, earned her bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse and has an M.S. and Ph.D. from UW–Madison. She lists among her interests and hobbies antiquing, thrift shopping, travel, music, and UW Women’s volleyball.
University officials say the seminar will continue after Simmons’ retirement, with specific plans still being developed.