Introducing ‘Emerita' Jean Simutis
The first lecturer in university history to be awarded the honored status
Cal State East Bay Lecturer Jean Simutis is ending her career much the way she started it — with a distinction of firsts.
“I was the first woman to get a Ph.D. in math from UC Davis,” Simutis said. “Many women graduated the year after me, so I’m not sure how I managed to be the first in line, but here I am again at the end of my career, being first again.”
Simutis is referring to a special recognition she was recently awarded by Cal State East Bay President Leroy M. Morishita, who approved her for emeritus status following her 27-year career with the Department of Mathematics.