In 1995, Simmons became the first African-American president of a "Seven Sister" college.
"At Smith she was a national figure," President Tom Gerety said. "She's breaking through something that is a very definite line. She's a very natural candidate."
According to a Brown University press release, the selection committee, composed of faculty, students and the Corporation of Brown University voted unanimously to select Simmons, concluding a nine-month hiring process during which they reviewed hundreds of applicants.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this outstanding university in this exciting time in history," Simmons said in a Brown University press release. "It gives me enormous pride and joy to think that I will serve as president of an institution that not only has ideals I can share, but also earnestly seeks to live those ideals."
Simmons will replace E. Gordon Gee, who left Brown after only two years as president to accept a chancellorship at Vanderbilt University and a salary reportedly near one million dollars.
"The appearances were terrible," Gerety.
According to Gerety, the school, which he described as "the poor cousin of the Ivy League," was demoralized by Gee's departure.
"It was bad," he said.
However, Gerety said he viewed Simmons' decision to leave Smith in a positive light.
"A six year presidency is a solid length of term" he said. "I think she leaves Smith in a very strong position and I think that Smith must also feel proud. It's a national breakthrough."
Simmons was born in a small town in Texas, the 12th child in her family, and entered the public school system when her family moved to Houston. According to a Brown University press release, she credits strong family and community support with her success as she continued her education.
In 1967 Simmons got her bachelor's degree summa cum laude at Dillard University in New Orleans and her master's and doctorate degrees in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard University in 1970 and 1973.
Before arriving at Smith College in 1995, Simmons served as vice provost of Princeton University.
"Ruth Simmons has provided outstanding leadership for Smith and we will be very sad to see her leave," said Shelly Lazarus, chair of the Smith Board of Trustees. "One of the reasons that Smith is in such an enviable position today is that it has had extraordinary presidents."
"I do want to say that I leave Smith with very mixed feelings. It is a great place. I loved it there, and I never thought anybody could persuade me to leave. So, in a sense, I'm surprised that Brown was able to do that. But being here today I know that it is the right decision for me," Simmons said in a news conference prior an all-campus assembly in which she addressed the Brown community.
Gerety added, "I'm sure it's going to be hard [without her]. But my sense is the Valley will do fine."