The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences
Honoring a legacy
The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences fosters creativity and leadership skills through the multi-faceted lenses of arts, communication, film, literature, and research.
Gwen Ifill ’77, '93HD (1955–2016) is best known as a successful and much-admired television news anchor who dedicated nearly 40 years to journalism. She launched her career by writing for student publications and interning at newspapers while studying communications at Simmons.
The Ifill School honors her legacy by promoting civic engagement and celebrating different perspectives through humanistic inquiry.
Meet the Dean
“Whether you're interested in producing compelling communication, exploring the complexities of human history, or studying the forces that shape our social structures, we have a program for you.” — Dean Ammina Kothari
Discover Our Learning Spaces
From collaborative working spaces to the CommLab and Podcast Suites, the Gwen Ifill School is built for student engagement. Explore what's available to you as a Simmons student through our 3D virtual tours.
Take the Next Step
Our programs cover it all — from public relations and communications to web design, education, and literature. Hone your creativity and critical thinking skills through engaging coursework and projects that prepare you for career success.
Tap into Your Potential
At Simmons, we cultivate a diverse and talented generation of trailblazers who are poised to become leaders in their professions and in their communities.
Get Involved, Get Inspired
Participate in the Ifill Forum, our annual event honoring Gwen Ifill and her legacy as a ground-breaking journalist. Hear firsthand from distinguished experts discussing pressing, relevant topics that have a national impact.
Build your skills through projects that foster an informed and creative public. Productions include magazines, a student radio station and newspaper, and a communications studio.
Apply for an Ifill Scholarship, which helps develop the next generation of trailblazers. Scholarships support students from underrepresented groups who demonstrate exceptional promise in the classroom.
What Makes Us Different?
“Simmons helped me develop the essential skill of taking myself and my work as a writer seriously and prioritizing it. There were such incredible resources available to me, and I got to work with mentors who continue to influence my work and career.”
Mackenzi Lee ’14MFA
"There are people at Simmons who will recognize your potential, and you have the opportunity to be involved and integrated into the community in a way that you may not have at a larger university. My leadership was able to grow into something bigger at Simmons. It’s been a game changer.”
Bella Yee
“Don’t be afraid to explore things that are entirely new. Simmons and Boston have so much to offer.”
Julia Wilen
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Academic Departments
Communications
The Department of Communications blends integrative learning with a deep understanding of communications and media theory. You'll receive in-depth professional preparation for various fields in communications.
Humanities
The Department of Humanities is committed to connecting you with the enduring value of the humanities. You'll study human cultural expressions in art, history, languages, literatures, writing, and philosophy across the globe.
Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The Department of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies will provide you with a rigorous education in the interdisciplinary study of identity, power, and resistance.
Education
With a focus on evidence-based best practices, you'll launch a meaningful career and meet the needs of all the students in your classroom.
Politics and Policy
Our programs will introduce you to the study of the institutions of government, the processes of decision-making (domestic and international), the content of these decisions (public policy), and their impact on society.
Spotlight on Our Students and Alums
Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars
Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.
Undergraduate Receives Prize from New England Poetry Club
Houley Koundourou ’28, a double major in Writing and Political Science, recently won the 2025 Victor Howes Prize in Poetry, awarded on behalf of the New England Poetry Club. We spoke with Koundourou about poetic inspiration, her Senegalese ancestry, and the value of a women’s-centered education.
The Story Listener
Breanna J. McDaniel ’14MA is the author of four acclaimed picturebooks and the recipient of the 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award. On July 26, McDaniel will present a presentation with author-illustrator Vashti Harrison at the Summer Children's Literature Institute at Simmons University.
Barbara Lee Fellows Intern at the Massachusetts State House
Simmons recently hosted a celebration for student participants in the Barbara Lee Fellowship, an internship program that pairs Simmons students with female-identifying senators and representatives at the Massachusetts State House.
Computer Science Researchers Develop Humanitarian Software
As part of Simmons’ Faculty-Student Collaborative Fellowship program, computer science majors Maleehah Africawala ’25, Fayza Beshir ’25, Emily Douglas ’25, and Megan McNamara ’25 worked under the supervision of Professor Nanette Veilleux to develop humanitarian software for Simmons’ REEF Support Center.
Cultivating Diverse Perspectives, in Boston and Abroad
Mariana Rodríguez Rivera ’25 shares her experience with the Passionate Leaders Project, her study abroad experience, and how Simmons has prepared her for a career in accounting.
Exploring a Global Perspective on Policy Work
Madd Witaconis ’25 discusses the Political Science and Public Policy 3+1 program, and reflects on interning abroad, and finding community at Simmons.
Honing Hands-on Editing and Interdisciplinary Journalism
Alicia Guzman ’25 reflects on the supportive faculty members she found at Simmons, her favorite courses, the research projects she conducted, and how she became inspired to pursue a media studies degree in graduate school.
The Gwen Ifill School at a Glance
30+
Undergraduate Programs of Study
The Gwen Ifill School offers a variety of majors and minors for you to choose from.
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Graduate Programs
Dive deeper into your chosen field with a master's degree from the Gwen Ifill School.
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Academic Departments
Within the Ifill School, you will find the Departments of Communications, Humanities, Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Education, and Politics and Policy.
The Gwen Ifill School in the News
Edwidge Danticat Explores Being Alone Together
The award-winning author Edwidge Danticat was the speaker at the annual Robert M. Gay Memorial Lecture. Danticat read excerpts from her recent work and engaged the Simmons community in a conversation about solitude, community, and memory.
Scholars Emphasize that Women’s Health is Public Health
Shortly before the sixth annual Ifill Forum, an esteemed panel of Simmons scholars from diverse disciplines co-presented “Women’s Health is Public Health.” Dr. Ammina Kothari, Dean of The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences, served as the event’s moderator.
Dr. Sharon Malone Promotes ‘Grown Woman’s Talk’
The sixth annual Ifill Forum featured board-certified OB/GYN, menopause expert, bestselling author, and women’s health advocate Dr. Sharone Malone. In conversation with WBUR’s All Things Considered radio host Lisa Mullins ’80, ’05HD, Dr. Malone spoke about her close friendship with Gwen Ifill ’77, ’93HD and rallied women to advocate for better health.
The Simmons Six: Meet the Deans
Meet the new deans of Simmons’ School of Library and Information Science; School of Sciences and Health Professions; Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences; School of Social Work; School of Management; and School of Nursing.
Editor Extraordinaire Inspired Generations of Journalists
A World War II military veteran turned journalist, Professor Emeritus Alden W. Poole was a faculty member and later chair of Simmons’ Department of Communications from 1955 to 1986. He taught courses in journalism, article writing, and copyediting. Poole also supervised contributors of the student newspaper (then called Janus).
Recognizing Freedom of Information Day 2025
According to the American Library Association, Freedom of Information Day (March 16), “promotes the public’s right to know and access to information.” To honor Freedom of Information Day 2025, Simmons News has compiled stories of faculty and student research, University initiatives, and alumnae/i accomplishments published over the last calendar year that advance access, reliability, and inclusivity regarding public information.
Join the Discussion on Women’s Health at the 2025 Ifill Forum
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences will host the Ifill Forum, our annual signature event in honor of Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD. This year’s event focuses on Women’s Health and will feature a panel discussion featuring Simmons faculty experts and a keynote speech featuring Dr. Sharon Malone, moderated by WBUR Anchor Lisa Mullins ’80 ’05HD.
Simmons Receives Mellon Grant for Information Literacy
With funding from the Mellon Foundation, Simmons will establish the Center for Information Literacy, which aims to promote informed decision-making and nurture civic participation.
Contact Us
The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences
The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences cultivates trailblazers and leaders. Here, you'll study the modes of expression through which we record and interpret the human experience.