Lisa Simmons
Following graduation from Towson University, Professor Lisa Simmons began her career in accounting at Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price, where she was invited to serve as an ambassador for the company at campus recruiting events.
The experience sparked her interest in human resources and led her to pursue a master’s degree in the field.
As she assumed increasingly responsible positions in human resources, most recently with Laureate International Universities in talent acquisition, she was invited to lecture on mentoring, interviewing and dressing for success as part of Towson’s Professional Experience Class.
“I have a passion for Towson, and I am always eager to help students prepare for life after college,” says Simmons. “Teaching was right up my alley.”
Hired as an instructor for one course in 2008, today Simmons is a full-time lecturer. “As the years went by, I realized I enjoyed teaching as much as being a practitioner,” she says. “The primary class I teach, Business Communications, is a combination of all things I love: writing, teamwork, problem solving, career exploration and presentations.”
Besides her teaching talents, Simmons is an expert in identifying a need in the community and using Towson students to bridge the gap. She has partnered with Target on a business case competition and is constantly building relationships with organizations in the community to utilize Towson students in an internship capacity.
“I want to give students the experience they need and help organizations at the same time,” says Simmons. One of the secrets of her success: “Students know that I have sat on the other side of the employment decision, and I have their best interests at heart.”