Dr. Ruth Simmons—the prominent education leader who was the first African American to lead an Ivy League institution—was among 18 other individuals who was honored on Monday with a National Humanities Medal at the White House.
Simmons, whose career in the academy has included teaching and administrative positions at Prairie View A&M University, Spelman College, Princeton University and Smith College, is the author of the bestselling memoir Up Home: One Girl’s Journey.
“The National Humanities Medal recipients have enriched our world through writing that moves and inspires us; scholarship that enlarges our understanding of the past; and through their dedication to educating, informing, and giving voice to communities and histories often overlooked,” said NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “I am proud to join President Biden in recognizing these distinguished leaders for their outstanding contributions to our nation’s cultural life.”
The following 19 recipients comprise the 2022 and 2023 cohorts of the National Humanities Medal:
