Simmons completed his second UNO degree — a master of arts in Critical and Creative Thinking — from his home in Florida.
by ANNIE ALBIN
Marketing and Communications Manager, College of Arts and Sciences
From earning his bachelor’s degree as a first-time father to completing his master’s while enjoying retirement, Ben Simmons has a unique, 50-plus-year connection to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Originally from Maryland, Simmons landed in Omaha after learning about UNO’s bootstrapper program, which was designed to help military members complete their degrees. It was a perfect fit, as he was wrapping up his service in Alabama with the U.S. Army.
With a collection of credits from other universities, Simmons joined the program to consolidate his coursework, finish a few remaining classes and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in general studies. He moved to Nebraska with his wife, Martha, and their young son — making it home for the next 31 years.
After Simmons earned his degree, Martha pursued hers as well — first an undergraduate degree at UNO, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. They now joke that their son grew up thinking all adults went to school, having watched his parents take classes throughout his childhood.
Years later, the couple retired and relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, for a change of pace. One day, while browsing online, Simmons came across UNO’s Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking program.
A lifelong learner, Simmons had taken college courses periodically over the years. But something about this program stood out. With its interdisciplinary focus, it offered the perfect opportunity to explore deep, reflective ideas.
“One of the few advantages — and there are very few advantages — of getting old is that you have time to think,” Simmons said. “You can think about some of the bigger issues: ethics, values, philosophy. The program fit very nicely with my current interests.”
Simmons enrolled in one course, then another — and before long, he was on track to earn his master’s degree.
Taking asynchronous online courses was a far cry from his on-campus experience in 1971, but Simmons was impressed by the caliber of instructors and professors. The coursework reignited his passion for the natural world, particularly the Everglades — an environmental marvel not far from his Florida home.
Inspired by the region’s scale and the ecological challenges posed by population growth, development and climate change, Simmons began focusing his academic projects on the Everglades.
“You look at this and you go, you know, it’s not like you’re looking at the Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon — it’s not that kind of breathtaking,” Simmons said. “But it’s its own kind of majestic. It is very special. And it’s something that needs to be saved.”
His final graduate project explored the challenges and opportunities facing the Everglades. He even visited the area to deepen his understanding of its vast and varied ecology. Since then, Simmons said he’s noticed a shift in how he views the natural environment — something Martha has observed in him as well.
In May, Simmons returned to Omaha to walk across the stage at Baxter Arena and accept his degree. Wearing his cap and gown in UNO colors once again, he carried the same Maverick spirit he did at his first graduation in 1971.
