Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) president David Behrs, Ph.D., has announced that April Simma has accepted the position of Executive Director of Advancement and Annual Giving. She began her new role on July 6.

Simma most recently served as the director of annual giving at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, but before joining Rose-Hulman, she spent six years working at SMWC. Her most recent position at the College was as the director of annual giving, and in this role, she was successful in growing SMWC’s annual giving program by 37 percent over three years.

“April’s knowledge and skills, competitive drive, innovative spirit and affinity as an alumna of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College have served the College well in the past, and we are excited that she has rejoined the SMWC community in this new position,” Behrs said.

A graduate of SMWC, Simma earned a bachelor’s degree in digital media communications from the College in 2003, and soon after began working at the College as the assistant director of career development for education. In 2004, she was promoted to employer relations coordinator, and in 2006, she accepted the position of director of annual giving.

“It’s an honor to be able to return to my alma mater and serve as executive director,” Simma said. “I have a profound love for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and its people, and I believe passionately in the College’s core values and pioneering vision. I am eager to work again with President Behrs and his leadership team, as well as the faculty, staff, students and alumnae.”