![via Simmons website](https://simmonsvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-16-at-10.01.52-PM.png)
Dr. Anna Aguilera, associate professor of biology, is set to take office as the next director of the Honors Program beginning August 15.
Aguilera’s promotion was announced in an email to students and faculty on July 10. The position was formerly held by Diane Grossman and Valerie Geary, who served as the Director and Program Coordinator of the Honors Program for several years.
Aguilera’s prior work has included being a chair on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and directing the Colleges of the Fenway Center for Sustainability and the Environment. She also has worked with the Public Health Steering Committee and the 3+2 Engineering Faculty Committee.
In a statement to The Voice, Aguilera shared that one of the most important parts of her role is to listen and adapt to student needs. Through experiencing the Fall semester, she commented that she’ll better understand the program and what initiatives she can take to improve it.
Incoming second-year honors student Jenn Leishman stated that they and some of the other honors students are, “excited about the change, and have a lot of hope that she can continue moving the program in a positive direction.”
“I’m excited to get to know Professor Aguilera better and have a new department head!” shared Leishman.