CRWAD 2011 Dedicatee
A native of Virginia, Dr. Don Simmons earned a BA in Biology from Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA. After graduation he moved to Athens, Georgia where he completed a DVM, MS and PhD at the University of Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.
Dr. Simmons was employed by North Carolina State University (NCSU) Department of Poultry Science for many years where he conducted research on viral and bacterial diseases of turkeys. In the late ‘70s he moved to NC State’s newly created Veterinary Science Department and served as one of the “founding fathers” for the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. For a number of years he taught Veterinary students and continued his research in turkey diseases with a strong emphasis on Bordetella avium. Dr. Simmons has published over 50 refereed scientific journal articles, presented scientific papers at many local, national and international meetings and served as advisor to a number of graduate students.
In 1988, Dr. Simmons became Head of the Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Penn State University, State College, PA. In that role he provided leadership for teaching, research and extension programs, and for the diagnostic laboratory operated by the department/college.
Dr. Simmons was later employed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for 11 years as Director of the Division of Education and Research. In that role he was responsible for accreditation of all U.S. (and some non-U.S.) veterinary colleges, accreditation of U.S veterinary technician teaching programs and certification of foreign Veterinary graduates. He also oversaw / facilitated the Council on Research, all the specialty organizations offering Diplomat status, and other AVMA programs including international relations.
Dr. Simmons retired in 2007 and returned to NC where he enjoys being a “gentleman farmer”, gardening, reading and working in his shop. He also enjoys his family and traveling.