Retired professor to discuss 'Life Outside of Academia'

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michele Simms-Burton, a former professor who retired from academia and built a successful career as a consultant and program manager, will share her experiences inside and outside “the academy” in an upcoming lecture sponsored by the Africana Research Center.

Simms-Burton’s lecture, “Academy Blues, Post-Academy Joy: There is Life Outside of Academia,” will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, via Zoom. Those interested in attending must register in advance.

Simms-Burton received her doctorate in English from George Washington University (GWU); a master’s-level certificate in instructional systems design from the University of Massachusetts, Boston; and certificates in designing learning, designing eLearning, and consulting for trainers from the Association for Talent Development (formerly the Association for Training Directors).

A scholar of African diaspora studies, Simms-Burton taught American literature and African American studies at GWU, the University of Rochester, the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland University Center, Howard University, and Prince George’s Community College. 

Her talk will examine her experience in academia, including the events that cemented her decision to leave, the work that she does now as a consultant and program manager, and the life she has crafted post-academy that allows her to use many of her talents in cross-functional teams.

A Q&A session will follow the talk. To learn more about the event, contact Erin King at euk2@psu.edu.