Dr. Cara Winston Simmons serves as Director of the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA). Under her leadership, OSSA coordinates several programs and services that promote student learning and success. Her portfolio includes seven federally funded TRIO programs, peer education, academic coaching, instruction, scholar programs, student success workshops, retention, and the support of first-generation and rural students through initiatives like the Presentation Collaboratory and Thrive at UGA. As the director, she leads a team of over 50 staff, faculty, and graduate students, as well as several hundred undergraduate student employees, who are all committed to student learning and development.
Prior to joining OSSA, Simmons served as director of the Student Success and Advising Center, adjunct faculty member, and assistant to the dean for leadership development and diversity in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Her previous work experience includes positions in the Office of the President, the Division of Student Affairs, and the College of Veterinary Medicine at UGA. Simmons is also staff director to Bulldog Basics, a campus-wide initiative, which provides free toiletry and personal care items to students via an eStore.
Dr. Simmons has a well-documented record of student-centered efforts and advocacy, community building, leadership development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work at UGA. Through innovative programming, strategic development, and focused implementation, she bridges academic affairs and student affairs to create transformative and inclusive educational environments. Currently, she serves on doctoral committees in the Mary Frances Early College of Education.
A three-time alumna, Dr. Simmons received an A.B. in History with minors in Religion and Sociology, a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Simmons has been recognized on two 40 under 40 lists – Georgia Trend Magazine and the UGA Alumni Association. In 2017, Simmons participated in the inaugural Women’s Staff Leadership Institute.
Dr. Simmons is an active community member who has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as a LEAD Athens cohort member (2021-2022), board member of the Athens Area Diaper Bank (since 2020), and past president of the Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (GAFCS). Within GAFCS, she served as the inaugural chair of the diversity and inclusion committee, vice president, conference chair, and state student unit advisor. She has also volunteered, reviewed grants, and served in leadership roles with local, regional, and national organizations.
Office: 114 Milledge Hall
Phone: 706-542-0177
Email: [email protected]
