Dr. Obadiah J.K. Simmons, Jr.

Dr. Obadiah J.K. Simmons is the Interim Executive Director of the Office of Graduate Studies and Department Head, as well as the Director for the Department of Kinesiology, Sport & Leisure Studies (KSLS) at Grambling State University. Dr. Simmons holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University, and has been a part of the faculty at Grambling State University for over forty years. He has worn many hats at Grambling, including as the Interim Athletic Director or Intercollegiate Athletics. Originally from Inkster, MI, Dr. Simmons was a three-year letterman of Grambling’s baseball team from 1972-1974. He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Grambling State University in 1974, earned his master’s degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Simmons has held a wide range of leadership positions during his professional career. He served as Chair of the NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Steering Committee (2006-2008), Chair of the Grambling State University Athletic Council (2008-2010), University Policy Review Committee member (2008-2010), and Institutional Representative for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame Nominating Committee (2006-2010).