Latisha Simmons (MSSW ’09) is a Statewide Clinical Operations and Support Manager for the CHOICES Program at BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee. She completed her master’s in social work, which prepared her to excel in her professional career. 

“The education I received at UT prepared me to enter the social work field as a master’s level social worker which allowed me to advance in my career,” Simmons said. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

In her current role, Simmons works with families and providers in the community to provide the care that they need. “I am responsible for managing a team of social workers and nurses who provide care coordination for members who need long-term services and support,” she explained. 

Simmons took a healthcare social work class elective at UT, and she feels that paved the way for her passion in healthcare. The motivational interviewing skills she learned in this class have been beneficial in all aspects of her professional life. 

“One of my fondest memories was when I walked into Dr. Camille Hall’s class for the first time and to my surprise, she was an African American woman teaching in the MSSW program,” Simmons stated. “Because of Dr. Hall and other black female professors I encountered throughout my educational journey, I was given hope that I could one day do the same. Representation does matter and I am glad I had that experience at UT.”

Simmons will give back to the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work as an online BSSW professor in the Spring 2023 semester.