June 17, 2008
Carol Ardella Simmons
Fisk University, B.A. '57
School of Applied Social Sciences, '60
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences/Weatherhead
School of Management, '93
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Current home: South Euclid, Ohio
A childhood ambition to become a social worker became reality for Carol Ardella Simmons, who majored in sociology at Fisk University. The Cleveland native credits volunteer work with an organization called the Friendly Inn Settlement with this decision. "My experience there while I was in high school just reinforced my interest to pursue a career in social work. It was great."
Ms. Simmons wanted to immerse herself in the life of a historically black college, and Fisk offered her the academic and social features she desired. Her cocurricular interests revolved around sociology, including community service and government, with participation in the Sociology Club, Collegiate Chamber of Commerce, Student Christian Association, the Oval yearbook, and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Ms. Simmons also worked in the Fisk library when Arna Bontemps—the noted writer and poet—served as head librarian.
After an enriching and affirming undergraduate experience, Ms. Simmons returned to Cleveland to attend the School of Applied Social Sciences at Western Reserve University. She was the first recipient of the Leonard B. Schneider Memorial Fellowship, which, along with a National Foundation MSASS Scholarship, supported her studies. She later enrolled in the Master of Nonprofit Organization program that is administered jointly by the social work school and the Weatherhead School of Management. She completed her coursework in 1993.
Ms. Simmons began her professional career as a medical social worker with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She also was a psychiatric social worker for the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute; supervisor and director of Family Life Education; and program director and program administrator for the Center for Human Services in Cleveland. She also was program director for Murtis H. Taylor Multi-Services Center. She has served the community as a board member of Project Friendship and Consumer Credit Counseling. These days, Ms. Simmons is a renal social worker with the Center for Dialysis Care of Shaker.
"I am blessed to have overcome a number of obstacles with the excellent support and role models within my own family. I also had wonderful and supportive teachers throughout my education. I believe it is important to give your best in whatever venture you choose as well as the tasks you undertake. It helps to maintain a focus on what you want to achieve."
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 17, 2008 03:42 PM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
, Weatherhead School of Management