Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement

Our vision is to strengthen competency, foster equity, and work to close the opportunity gap for students through collaborative programming, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities.  

This center and its programming are made possible by the philanthropy of Simmons alumna and trustee Jennifer Eckert ’08 MSW. At its core, the center will enable Simmons to more explicitly and intentionally embed leadership within a student’s experience from the moment they’re accepted, furthering the university’s work as one of Boston’s premier leadership institutions.

Initiatives supported by the Eckert Center include a fellowship program that enables graduate students to lead projects on diversity, equity, and inclusion while receiving professional leadership coaching; the Simmons Bridge Program, which enhances incoming first-year BIPOC students’ opportunities to connect and thrive in the Simmons community; and opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in community service, citizenship, and leadership development throughout their time at Simmons.