14 Facts About Marian Simms

Marian Jane Simms was an Australian political scientist, and was a full professor at the University of Otago, and Deakin University.

Marian Simms specialised in gender studies in leadership and political science.

Marian Simms attended Lyneham High School, followed by the Australian National University, where she gained a Bachelor of Arts with honours in 1974.

Marian Simms taught for a year at the University of Adelaide before enrolling for a PhD, initially at Melbourne University.

Marian Simms transferred to La Trobe University and went on to complete a PhD under the supervision of Australia's first woman chair of politics, Joan Rydon.

Marian Simms graduated in 1979 with a thesis on the Menzies Government.

In 2002, Marian Simms was appointed as the Chair of Political Studies at the University of Otago in New Zealand, where she was the first woman professor of political science.

Marian Simms was Head of Department from 2002 until 2007, and remained at Otago until 2009.

Marian Simms left Otago to join Deakin University as Head of the School of History, Heritage and Society.

From 2011 to 2016, Marian Simms was the Executive Director for Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences at the Australian Research Council.

Marian Simms chaired the International Political Science Association's Research Committee on Gender, Globalization and Democratization for three years, from 2003.

Marian Simms authored or co-authored six books, and edited or co-edited another ten.

Marian Simms was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2003, for "her contribution made to Australian society, specifically for her research on the 1901 election".

Marian Simms was a Fulbright Fellow, using her award to visit the University of Southern California campus in Washington DC.