Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Valerie C. Simmons began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1985. Alongside her major, she minored in Computer Science, demonstrating a strong foundational knowledge of both finance and technology, critical areas in today’s business landscape. Graduating with honors and a GPA of 3.7, her early academic performance foreshadowed her future successes in the field.

Driven by her passion for accounting, Dr. Simmons earned a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2005, also from The University of Southern Mississippi, with an outstanding 4.0 GPA. Her unwavering commitment to education is further evidenced by her pursuit of a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Kennesaw State University, which she completed in 2022. She excelled in her doctoral studies, earning the prestigious title of Outstanding Ph.D. Student while maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0. Her dissertation, titled Influences on Controllers’ Non-GAAP Reporting Decisions, was a significant contribution to the understanding of accounting practices and was guided by renowned experts, including Dana Hermanson and Velina Popova.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Simmons has had a long and distinguished career in academia, beginning in 2006 when she became an instructor at the School of Accountancy within the College of Business at The University of Southern Mississippi. Over nearly two decades, she has taught a variety of accounting courses, including Cost Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Introduction to Financial Accounting, and Accounting Internship. Her diverse teaching experience spans traditional and online courses, showcasing her ability to adapt to modern educational technologies.

In addition to her teaching, Dr. Simmons plays an active role in student development through the Professional Standards Course, which prepares undergraduates for the business world. Her engagement in accounting education extends beyond the classroom, as she has served as a mentor and guide to many students pursuing internships and professional qualifications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Simmons’ research is at the intersection of accounting education, corporate governance, and behavioral finance. Her work is known for exploring current issues in accounting education and corporate decision-making. Notably, her research investigates the effects of individual behavioral characteristics on corporate outcomes, a topic critical to understanding modern business practices.

Dr. Simmons has an extensive publication record, with significant works appearing in esteemed journals such as Issues in Accounting Education and the Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting. In 2024, her publication on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) into accounting curricula was highly regarded, offering valuable insights for educators on adapting to the growing importance of sustainability in the field of accounting.

Her other notable research includes an examination of the effects of remote work on younger auditors and audit quality. Published in the Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, this research highlights the evolving nature of the auditing profession in the digital age. Additionally, Dr. Simmons has explored earnings management in the post-Sarbanes-Oxley era and the role of audit firm size in financial reporting integrity.

Her current research projects delve into critical areas such as the STEM designation for accounting programs and the behavioral aspects of controllers’ non-GAAP reporting decisions. These studies underscore her commitment to pushing the boundaries of accounting research, with a strong focus on practical, real-world implications for the profession.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Simmons has received numerous accolades for her contributions to both teaching and research. In 2022, she was recognized as the Outstanding Ph.D. Student at Kennesaw State University, a prestigious award that highlights her academic excellence and dedication to the field of accounting.

Her service within the academic community is equally impressive. Dr. Simmons has held leadership positions on various committees, including the School of Accountancy Faculty Search Committee and the Teaching Development Task Force. In 2023, she co-chaired the search for a Visiting Instructor of Accounting at The University of Southern Mississippi, further demonstrating her influence in shaping the next generation of accounting educators.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Simmons’ impact on the field of accounting extends far beyond her publications and teaching roles. Her work on integrating ESG into the accounting curriculum has the potential to transform how future accountants are educated, ensuring they are well-versed in sustainability issues that are increasingly critical to corporate governance. Her ongoing research on non-GAAP reporting practices also has far-reaching implications, helping to shape more ethical and transparent financial reporting standards.

Additionally, Dr. Simmons has actively contributed to the development of accounting education through her involvement in various task forces and committees aimed at improving teaching standards and curriculum development. Her leadership in these areas ensures that accounting programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of both students and the evolving business world.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Dr. Simmons is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of accounting. With numerous research projects in progress, including a comparison of traditional and nontraditional accounting PhD programs and a literature review on the Enhanced Fraud Triangle, she is actively expanding the boundaries of accounting knowledge. Her research is expected to provide valuable insights into the behavioral aspects of corporate decision-making, fraud prevention, and curriculum innovation.

Dr. Simmons’ legacy will undoubtedly be one of excellence in both research and education. Her dedication to her students, combined with her commitment to advancing the field of accounting, ensures that her influence will be felt for years to come. As she continues to explore new frontiers in accounting research, Dr. Simmons is positioned to leave a lasting mark on the profession.