About Me . . .
Dr. Sharon A. Simmons is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Accounting with more than two decades of academic leadership, research, and professional practice. Holding a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises and currently completing a Ph.D. in Accounting, she brings interdisciplinary expertise spanning corporate accounting, taxation, law, finance, and innovation. Her scholarship examines how institutions, financial systems, and governance shape entrepreneurial outcomes and business sustainability. She has directed executive-education programs, mentored leaders across multiple continents, designed inclusive economic-development initiatives, and secured more than $1 million in grants.
Building on the connections between accounting and entrepreneurship, her current doctoral research integrates accounting methodologies with entrepreneurial theory to investigate how accounting information, reporting, and controls influence venture creation, investment decisions, and growth strategies. By bridging these fields, her work highlights how financial reporting, governance, and accountability can drive innovation, reduce risk, and support informed decision-making in entrepreneurial ventures.
Education
- Ph.D. in Accounting, Jackson State University, expected May 2030
- Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises, Syracuse University, 2012
- J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 1994
- M.S. in Accounting, University of Virginia, 1994
- B.S. in Accounting, Hampton University, 1991 (Magna Cum Laude)
Continuing Education
- New Jersey Law & Ethics Regulations, New Jersey Society of CPA
- EDN–Moody’s Analytics Finance Training, Washington, DC
- HBCU Strategic Faculty Symposium, Deloitte University, Dallas
- Tax Faculty Symposium, Deloitte University, Dallas
- VentureWell Faculty Grantee Community of Practice
- Ice House Entrepreneurship Program Facilitator Training, Kauffman Foundation
- Experiential Entrepreneurship Classroom XII, Oklahoma State University
- Kauffman Firm Survey Training Session, Kauffman Foundation
- New York State Technology and Commercialization Law Center, Syracuse University
- Advanced Ph.D. Seminar in Entrepreneurship and Strategy, EMLYON Business School.
Professional Credentials
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), New Jersey (Inactive)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), U.S. Virgin Islands (Inactive)
- Attorney, Pennsylvania Bar (Inactive)
- Real Estate Agent, U.S. Virgin Islands (Inactive)
Professional Accounting, Legal, and Business Experience
Professional Accounting, Legal, and Business Experience
- National Senior Tax Manager & Senior Associate / Intern (Summer 1993, 1996–2004) Led complex tax planning and compliance engagements for corporate clients, supervised cross-functional teams, and provided leadership in developing accounting best practices.
Coopers & Lybrand (PwC), Parsippany, NJ
- Tax Research Associate (1994–1996) Conducted tax research and analysis, developed corporate tax strategies, and collaborated with audit teams on financial reporting matters.
Eaton Corporation – AT&T Capital Leasing, Stamford, CT
- Legal Research Intern (1992) Supported accounting and tax research for leasing transactions, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and corporate policies.
Ortho Pharmaceuticals, New Jersey
- Cooperative Accounting Internship (Spring 1990) Assisted with accounting functions, prepared financial reports, and contributed to internal control assessments.
Chase Manhattan Bank, New York & U.S. Virgin Islands
- Intern (Internal Audit, Mortgage, Trade, HR) (1986–1991) Performed internal audit reviews, analyzed mortgage and trade-finance documentation, and supported human resources operations.
Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Legislative Page (Summer 1985) Provided administrative assistance and research support to legislative staff.
Academic Appointments
Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi Professor, College of Business (2020–present)
- Co‑Director, R.I.S.E. Leadership Program – campus‑wide program training faculty and staff mentors and mentees to become university leaders
- NSF I‑Corps Trainer
- Developed and implemented the Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Pathway for the campuswide general education program.
- Led development and implementation of the Entrepreneurship Minor for Non‑Business Majors
- Faculty Teaching Fellow – provided training to faculty on pedagogy innovation
- Assessment Coordinator, Entrepreneurship Program
- Member, University Assessment Council
- Member, Graduate Committee, College of Business
- Promotion and Tenure Committee Service (DURP)
- Faculty Advisor, Society of Entrepreneurs / Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO)
- Faculty Advisor, Gamma Rho Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Courses taught: Entrepreneurship Finance; International Business; Management of Arts & Technology Innovation Ventures; Management of Nonprofit Ventures; New Venture Creation; Creativity & Innovation; Information Systems for Small Business; Accounting; Ph.D. supervision.
University of Missouri–Kansas City, Henry W. Bloch School of Management, Missouri Associate Professor of Global Entrepreneurship (2015–2019)
- Courses taught: MBA New Product Development; Executive Education in International Business; Undergraduate Entrepreneurship; Ph.D. Research Design
William Paterson University, Cotsakos College of Business, New Jersey Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation (2012–2015)
- Courses taught: Introduction to Business; Entrepreneurship
Syracuse University, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, New York Teaching Fellow / Ph.D. Candidate (2009–2012)
- Courses taught: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Visiting Associate Professor (2019–2020)
- Courses taught: International Marketing; Accounting
University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Assistant Professor of Accounting (2004–2008)
- Courses taught: Accounting; Auditing; Taxation
Doctoral Supervision and Mentorship
- Sydney Brown
- MaQueba Massey
- Joshua Nyantakyi
- Simone Bewry
- Shu Cheng
- Sarma Sumita
- Lee Chong K.
- Pedro Tonhozi De Oliveira
- Paul Daulerio
Board & Community Leadership
- Board Member, Hinds County Human Resource Agency (HCHRA)
- Board Member, Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO)
- Faculty Expert, Amazon Small Business Academy
- Economic Development Committee Member, Beloved Community Initiative / International Museum of Muslim Cultures
- Secretary, Beta Delta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Member, North Jackson Rotary; Rotary reader at Walton Elementary School
- Secretary, U.S. Virgin Islands Society of Certified Public Accountants (USVI CPA Society)
- Class Captain, Fourth Grade, Jefferson Elementary School
- Girl Scout Troop Leader
- Jack and Jill of America, Treasurer
- Volunteer, Women’s Build Project – Habitat for Humanity.