Dean Simms Earns ‘Diversity in Business’ Honor

Shalei Simms with her award and six other people

Acting Dean of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business Shalei Simms was honored with a 2023 “Diversity in Business Award” by Long Island Business News, the weekly publication covering the region’s  business and industry for 70 years.

Simms was one of 32 honorees representing financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, law firms, and more who were feted for “actively supporting the growth of diversity and equality in our community.”

“The demographics of our region and nation are becoming more diverse while at the same time our understanding and acceptance of the innate value and skills people from all situations can offer is growing,” said Simms. “To be recognized alongside others for making sure we all, together, can grow and succeed in this evolving environment was exciting.”

Simms was selected for her leadership of the School of Business, in which she also holds the rank of associate professor of management, along with her work in the business and local community to empower and inform entrepreneurs about the supports available and skills they need to succeed.

She currently sits on the board of directors for the Teachers Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the country, and is a former member of the Board of Managers of the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA. She presents her “From Idea to Action” and “Level-up” workshop series to potential small business entrepreneurs and provides individual consulting to small business owners. She has also organized her “Words have Wings” workshop series, designed to assist individuals in transitional residency programs develop personal strategic plans as they move towards permanent housing.

Simms holds a Ph.D. from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Wesleyan University. She is a member of the Academy of Management, Management Faculty of Color Association and Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.

SUNY Old Westbury has been preparing students for careers in accounting, finance, management, and marketing for more than 45 years. Through the instruction and research of its faculty, the School of Business pursues its mission of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and values to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly in the constantly changing landscape of business today. Serving more than 700 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Business offers rigorous academic training in a small class atmosphere.  

Photo Caption:  School of Business Acting Dean Shalei Simms (center) is congratulated by (from left to right) President Timothy Sams, Assistant Professor of Media & Communications Lisa Payton, Vice President for Communications & College Relations Michael Kinane, Executive Vice President Jo-Ann Robinson, School of Business Director of Career Services, External Relations, & Administration Lorraine Todisco and School of Business Accreditation & Engagement Coordinator Louise Rotchford.

School of Business