Today Square announced that Ruth Simmons will join its Board of Directors.
As President of Brown University, Simmons made significant strides in improving Brown's standing as one of the world's finest research universities, created initiatives to increase financial support and resources for students, and ensured that diversity informed every dimension of the university. Prior to Brown, she served as the President of Smith College, where she established the first engineering program at an American women's college.
"In my experience, the best companies draw their strength from their ideals and their customers," said Simmons. "Square puts its sellers first, empowering them with tools that allow them to participate in and help drive the economy. I look forward to helping the team advance this important goal."
"Ruth has inspired generations of young people to follow their dreams, break down any barriers that stand in their way, and make an impact in their communities," said Jack Dorsey, CEO of Square. "I know she will bring that same passion to Square on behalf of our sellers, and I am honored she will be joining our board."
For more than two decades, Simmons made a career of serving students in higher education. She served as President of Brown University from 2001-2012, and President of Smith College from 1995-2000. After completing her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard, she served in various faculty and administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College.
Simmons currently serves on the boards of Texas Instruments, Chrysler, and Mondelez, as well as a number of nonprofit boards. She previously sat on the Goldman Sachs Board of Directors.
Square's Board of Directors also includes Jack Dorsey, Roelof Botha, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Vinod Khosla, Jim McKelvey, Mary Meeker, Larry Summers, and David Viniar.