Andrea M. Simmons, EdD, is the Senior Program Manager for Pre-Professional Pathway & Outreach at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, where she leads pathway initiatives designed to expand access to medical education and strengthen the future physician workforce. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, she has developed and directed innovative programs that support students from middle school through medical school, with expertise in pathway development, student success, admissions preparation, mentoring, and workforce diversification.

Dr. Simmons earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri, a Master of Arts in Sport Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her scholarship bridges research and practice, focusing on mission-aligned admissions, pathway programming, and strategies to diversify the physician workforce. Her dissertation employed critical narrative inquiry and photovoice methodology to examine the successful matriculation of Black medical students through a strengths-based lens grounded in Harper's Anti-Deficit Achievement Framework. She presents nationally on physician pathway programs, admissions, and workforce diversification, connecting research findings with practical strategies for educators, admissions professionals, and institutional leaders.