Catherine Simmons

Catherine Simmons Headshot

Catherine Simmons

Ph.D., Social Work Department Chair & Professor (on sabbatical)
College of Public Service
ACAD 107
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
By appointment (in person or virtual)
Please email me to schedule a meeting.

Biographical Information

Dr. Catherine A. Simmons is a Professor and the Social Work Department Chair at the UCCS College of Public Service (CPS).

Dr. Simmons received her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington (2006), her MSW from Delaware State University (1996), her MEd from Wilmington College (1996), and her BA in Psychology from the University of Delaware (1993). She also holds the LCSW credential (CO, TN, & TX).

Prior to joining academia, Dr. Simmons spent 10 years as an Air Force officer leading family violence, substance abuse, and mental health programs. Together with her time in higher education, Dr. Simmons has over 20 years of leadership and practice experience in the areas of interpersonal violence, mental health, and program management.

As an academic, Dr. Simmons is the author/editor of 2 books and over 50 academic papers. Her research utilizes state-of-the-art methodology and data analysis (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods) to expand evidence-based practice. Dr. Simmons is recognized as an expert in the areas of strengths-based interventions, treatment of trauma, and family violence. She is also the recipient of multiple professional honors and serves on committees, councils, and boards at the local and national levels.

“Joining the faculty in 2017 afforded me the opportunity to integrate my passion for leadership, management, evaluation, and ethics with my interests in violence, trauma, and victim services,” said Dr. Simmons. “It is an honor and privilege to serve the students, staff, faculty, and community at UCCS as part of the talented CPS team!”

Areas of Interest

  • Career trajectories
  • Interpersonal violence
  • Strengths based interventions
  • Program evaluation and measurement
  • Issues pertaining to gender, trauma, and violence

Curriculum Vitae