Lynn Wooten

Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten is the ninth president of Simmons University and the first African American to lead the institution, taking office on July 1, 2020.134 She is a distinguished academic leader with an impressive background in higher education and organizational development.

Professional Background:

• Earned a B.S. in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University (graduated as valedictorian)3
• Holds an M.B.A. from Duke University and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan13
• Previously served as the David J. Nolan Dean at Cornell University23
• Has over 25 years of academic experience, including roles at the University of Michigan and University of Florida3

Research and Expertise: Dr. Wooten specializes in:

• Crisis leadership
• Diversity and inclusion
• Positive organizational behavior
• Strategic human resources management

Academic Achievements:

• Authored two books: Positive Organizing in a Global Society and Leading Under Pressure13
• Published nearly 30 journal articles and 15 book chapters3
• Received teaching and service awards from the University of Michigan3

Personal Life:

• Married to David Wooten, a marketing professor at the University of Michigan
• Has two children, Justin and Jada3

Professional Affiliations:

• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• Advisory board member for the Aspen Institute's Business and Society Program
• Board member of the Center for Effective Philanthropy3