Joseph Simmons Jr.'s Trailblazing Journey to Becoming UNLV's First Black Male Ph.D. in Special Education

Joseph Simmons Jr., a Lincoln University alumnus, celebrates earning his Ph.D. in special education, marking a historic milestone and his continued commitment to advancing equity in education.

Joseph Simmons Jr. ’12 recently became the first Black male to earn a Ph.D. in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His achievement comes amid a national landscape of underrepresentation. According to the 2020–2021 National Teacher and Principal Survey from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education, Black men make up just 1.3% of the nation’s approximately 3.8 million public school teachers — about 49,400 educators nationwide.

Additionally, data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Learning Disabilities have long documented what federal policy terms “significant disproportionality” in special education, with Black male students disproportionately represented in disability categories such as intellectual disabilities and emotional disturbances compared to their white peers.

Simmons' academic background began at Lincoln University of Missouri, which he identifies as playing a foundational role in preparing leaders to address representation and equity in education. He sought to have an impact on students' lives similar to the influence his parents and coaches had on him.

On the significance of being the first Black male to achieve this milestone at UNLV, Simmons reflects: "My purpose and passion have led me to this point. I have always wanted to help others, and if being a beacon of hope for aspiring educators is part of my journey, I am forever grateful, as it affirms that I am on the right path. Yet, there is still more work to be done, more corners to turn and new landings to reach."

Foundations at Lincoln University
Simmons originally came to Lincoln University on a football scholarship, where he was a four-year collegiate athlete. After several semesters, he decided to pursue a role that would allow for an impact beyond the classroom.

"As long as I can remember, I have said, 'I just want to help people,'" Simmons said. "From a young age, my parents nurtured this mindset by emphasizing the importance of education and teaching me that it is a lifelong asset that no one can ever take away. While making an impact in the classroom is deeply meaningful and fulfilling, I am driven by a desire to extend that impact beyond the classroom and serve others on a larger scale."

Following discussions with mentors, he changed his major to social work to access a broader range of opportunities in the education field.

His experiences at Lincoln University influenced his approach to service. He notes that professors such as Deborah Word and Nicole Saltzman connected with students by meeting them where they were and assisting them in applying their knowledge. While at the university, Simmons served on the Royal Court, participated in the Campus Activity Board, worked as a Residential Advisor, and was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Sigma Chapter).

He states that his education at Lincoln provided the support and values — love, community, tradition and legacy — that guide his professional work. "The institutional oath includes the pledge, 'We will transmit our University to those who come after us greater, better, and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us,'" Simmons said. "This commitment resonates deeply with me, reflecting my enduring aspiration to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on those I encounter and through the work that I do."

A Winding Path of Service
Upon graduating from Lincoln in 2012, Simmons moved to Nevada. He earned a master's degree in education leadership at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), while serving as a graduate assistant for the Center for Cultural Diversity. He secured a full-time position within the Access Outreach and Recruitment Department at Truckee Meadows Community College. From there, he transitioned into a counselor role within the K-12 system.

Working with students in the K-12 system led to his return to teaching. After obtaining his teaching license, he focused on individualized teaching experiences in his own classroom. Supported by a referral from UNR faculty, he applied to UNLV and began his five-year doctoral program. At the time of his enrollment, he was not aware of any other males of color who had previously completed the doctoral program in special education at the university.

"The ebbs and flows of the relationships and rapport cultivated between teachers and students, combined with the consistent effort invested by both, make achieving the intended outcomes especially meaningful," Simmons said about his passion for teaching.

The Philosophy of Aspiration
Simmons specialized in emotional behavioral disorders (EBD), which include conditions such as anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance and impulse control disorder. Statistics indicate that young Black boys are twice as likely as their peers to be diagnosed with these conditions. 

His dissertation centered on the field of research regarding student aspirations. Simmons views aspirations as forward-thinking states of being (such as becoming a successful business owner) and goals as the necessary milestones to achieve those aspirations (like completing high school or finding a mentor).

In special education, the common approach is to focus on managing student expectations. Simmons instead seeks to identify a student's aspirations and set goals that move them forward. He encourages teachers to have students define their aspirations and then shape behavioral modification strategies around them.

Simmons is currently pursuing a career in higher education, serving as a part-time instructor at UNLV and a CCSD teacher at Findlay Middle School. His mentor, Joseph Morgan, Ph.D., department chair and professor of special education in the Early Childhood, Multilingual and Special Education Department and interim director of the CREW Disability Center at UNLV, states that Simmons is prepared to "serve as a visionary leader in whatever role he decides to take."

With his foundation from Lincoln University and his work in student aspirations, Simmons continues to focus on equity in education.

Exploring Education at Lincoln University
If you are inspired by Simmons' story and want to make a difference in the lives of students, consider exploring the education programs at Lincoln University of Missouri. The university offers several academic pathways for those entering the field of education:

• Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Education offers certifications in elementary, middle school, and secondary education.
• Graduate Programs: The Master of Education includes specializations in educational leadership and school counseling.

Click here to learn more about Lincoln University's education programs.