Simmons highlights the stories of trans* people in postsecondary education.

A full-time lecturer at the University of Chicago, Simmons explores the discrimination, invisibility and harassment, as well as community, solidarity and resistance experienced by/with trans* educators. The goal: to illuminate expanded concepts of gender, identity and experiences in the hope that we all can live, learn and work in affirming, liberating environments.

Simmons will present Canaries in a Mine: Trans* Educators’ Multiple Roles in Higher Education on Oct. 17 during this year’s William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture at Elmhurst College.

Simmons is a lecturer in social service administration, and is deeply invested in social justice and fostering exploration, growth and development. Professor Simmons’ scholarly interests include exploring intersectionalities of racial, gender, and sexual identities and experiences. Simmons earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Iowa State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Loyola University Chicago.

The William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, elmhurst.edu/campusmap). Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Elmhurst College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available by visiting elmhurst.edu/cultural. For more information, call (630) 617-5186. This event is co-sponsored by the Honors Program and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Elmhurst College.

Elmhurst College is a leading four-year college that seamlessly blends liberal learning and professional preparation to help students reach their full potential. Elmhurst offers 60 undergraduate majors, 15 graduate programs, evening and online programs for adults, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst College is among the top-ranked colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report; and U.S. News, Money and Forbes magazines consistently rank Elmhurst as one of the Midwest’s best values in higher education.