Jacob V. Simons

— Biography from the 2022 Spring Commencement program —

Dr. Simons earned a BS in Behavioral Science (1977) from the United States Air Force Academy, an MA in Counseling (1980) from Ball State University, an MS in Management (1982) from Troy State University, and a Ph.D. in Operations Management (1989) from the University of Houston. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force, and upon his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 1997 joined the faculty of Georgia Southern University. During his academic career, Dr. Simons provided excellent and distinguished contributions to teaching, research and service. He has taught dozens of diferent courses across undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs in logistics and supply chain management. His research record includes recognition for multiple outstanding papers published in world class academic journals spanning 2000-2017. For his many early contributions to the Parker College of Business, he received the Eugene M. Bishop Award for Sustained Excellence in 2004. Dr. Simons has provided service to the college, University and community that goes well beyond normal expectations of faculty. In 2008, he earned the Distinguished Service Award for his service to the Parker College of Business. He has chaired numerous college and University committees over the years and stepped into interim administrative roles as Department Chair (2001), Associate Dean (2001-2003), and Ph.D. Program Coordinator (2012-13). For his extraordinary contributions as a longstanding member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, Dr. Simons was recognized with the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award (2013) and Outstanding Kiwanian Award (2002). Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Simons is recognized as a genuine humanitarian by faculty and staf as well as other local stakeholders in the communities connected to Georgia Southern University. For these many contributions to the University, college department, his profession and community, Dr. Simons is deserving of the title Professor Emeritus of Operations Management.*