Thomas Jackson “T.J.” Simmons began building a foundation for teaching and appreciation of the arts that continues as a vital part of Brenau’s mission today.
Simmons earned a law degree from Wake Forest University and had served as conservator of music and president of Shorter College before joining Pearce at Brenau in 1910.
Though his presidency was brief, Simmons’ impact included building Yonah Hall, which houses dormitories and the Hopkins Dining Hall, and the Simmons Visual Arts Center, which houses art galleries, classrooms, and a ceramics studio.
Simmon’s wife, Celestia Muse “Lessie” Southgate Simmons, an internationally accomplished musician who taught music during his presidency, inspired him; he and his wife also collected art from their various travels around the world. Simmons Hall, originally named the Lessie Southgate Simmons Memorial Hall, was commissioned in memory of his wife following her death. The couple also lived on campus, in what is now the Delta Delta Delta sorority house.