Knowledge:
The original desire.
Power such to see
and understand
That which gives birth
To creation...
Choices and ideas,
Word strung together
To form newness
For better or worse.
A power to control
That which surrounds us
And stand.

Dr. Ruth Simmons

Upon being sworn in as president of Brown University in July 2001, Dr. Simmons not only became the first female president of Brown University, but also the first black president of an Ivy League institution.  Following the footsteps of early champions of education such as Mary McLeod-Bethune, Dr. Simmons continues to inspire through education and knowledge. Dr. Simmons resigned as president in 2012, after receiving numerous honors. Read more about Dr. Simmons here.