UAH appoints Laterrica Simmons Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator to oversee new office

Laterrica Simmons has been named UAH's Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator

Laterrica Simmons, an attorney with experience overseeing Title IX and equity investigations in a university setting, has been named The University of Alabama in Huntsville's (UAH) Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator.

The 1972 law states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal assistance." Additionally, Title IX addresses sexual harassment, gender based discrimination and sexual violence.

Simmons will begin her duties at UAH on March 20. Her office is located in the Student Services Building (300 F). Priority regulatory matters for Simmons include include Title IX, Clery Act, research misconduct, Institutional Review Board, animal testing, laboratory safety, Child Protection, Compliance and Fraud Hotline, and ethics compliance under state and federal law and Board of Trustees rules. Additionally, she will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of those members of the UAH community who are responsible for carrying out Title IX investigations.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Laterrica Simmons as Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Laterrica will be responsible for working with multiple units of the campus community to provide direction, education, guidance and assistance to optimize ethical and compliant behaviors through effective programs, policies and procedures," said Dr. Robert Altenkirch, President of UAH.

Simmons comes to UAH from Missouri University of Science and Technology, where she serves as Senior Compliance Manager. Prior to her position at Missouri S&T, she served as Community Outreach Liaison at Earthjustice in Uniontown, AL, where she conducted preliminary screenings of complainants possibly affected by a company’s noncompliance with federal environmental law.

"I am honored to be a part of the UAH community and to serve as the Director of Compliance/ Title IX Coordinator. I believe that successful compliance programs are a reflection of a university’s campus culture and mission," said Simmons. "Through campus outreach and effective communication, I plan to serve as a central hub for faculty, staff, and students to be able to acquire information and obtain direction in regards to policies and procedures.

"I am equally as enthusiastic about my Title IX Coordinator role because it allows me the opportunity to interact with students by facilitating innovative and engaging prevention based training and initiatives. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to working with all faculty, staff, and students across campus," Simmons added.

Simmons earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management from The University of Alabama and her Juris Doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law. She is a member of the Alabama State Bar and holds a Level I Civil Rights Investigator Certification from the Association of Title IX Administrators.