March 10, 2025
Simone M. Cummings appointed assistant vice provost for academic affairs
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University has appointed Simone M. Cummings as assistant vice provost for academic affairs, effective April 1. Cummings brings extensive experience in academic leadership and program development, aligning with K-State’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Prior to joining K-State, Cummings served as dean and chief academic officer of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of the business school, including program planning, development and community engagement. She joined Webster University in 2013 as an associate professor and was appointed dean in 2017.
“My leadership has focused on ensuring academic rigor, fostering a student-centered culture, supporting faculty development and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement in academic programming and student outcomes,” said Cummings. “I believe the success of an institution is built upon a clear, shared vision that aligns faculty, staff and resources toward common goals.”
In her new role at K-State, Cummings will be responsible for driving academic excellence through program development and review, monitoring the academic portfolio and curricula across the university, and coordinating academic policies with a focus on best practices and program assessment. Her appointment follows a national search conducted by the Office of Academic Affairs and Innovation.
"Dr. Cummings brings a dynamic blend of experience and innovation to K-State," said Margaret Mohr-Schroeder, vice provost of academic affairs and innovation. “Her leadership, marked by a commitment to academic rigor and a focus on leveraging data, aligns perfectly with our ambition to be a leading next-generation land-grant university. We're thrilled to have her drive the excitement and vision necessary to propel us forward.”
Cummings will join the dynamic leadership team of Provost and Executive Vice President Jesse Perez Mendez and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Innovation Margaret Mohr-Schroeder. In this role, Cummings will be an essential member of the vice provost's team, ensuring that K-State's academic enterprise aligns with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan.
“With more than a decade of experience leading academic programs, fostering student success, and guiding faculty development, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to K-State’s mission of advancing academic excellence, enhancing student engagement and fostering an inclusive, innovative educational environment,” said Cummings.
Cummings holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Washington University, a Master of Health Administration with a concentration in finance from the Washington University School of Medicine, and a doctorate in health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Before entering academia, Cummings worked at several medical centers, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Regional Hospital and Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. She serves as a board member for the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the Global Center for Cybersecurity, the Global Higher Education Cybersecurity Consortium, the Missouri Foundation for Health and the Missouri Historical Society.