HSU Alumnus Appointed to Key Department of Defense Leadership Role

ABILENE, TEXAS – A Hardin-Simmons University alumnus is making an impact on a national scale with the Department of Defense.

Stephen Simmons, a 2006 political science and leadership studies graduate, has been appointed deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. In his new role, Simmons will be responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs for active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members, their families, and survivors worldwide.

“The resilience and strength that embody the military family are something that should never be taken for granted, and to be responsible for fostering that resilience is beyond humbling,” Simmons said. “I look forward to working with the president, members of Congress, and the greatest DOD leadership team ever assembled to restore the warrior culture not just within our service members, but their families as well. Readiness starts at home, and we will do everything we can to make sure that the home is supported.”

Simmons brings nearly two decades of distinguished leadership experience spanning military service, corporate operations, and veteran advocacy. He began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 2005, rising through the ranks to major while serving in diverse roles that included deployments to Iraq, leading disaster relief efforts, and pioneering personnel and retention strategies at Headquarters Marine Corps. Throughout his service, he earned recognition for transforming unit culture, operational readiness, and logistics integration.

“My time at HSU laid the foundation for my 17-year Marine Corps career and subsequent roles in corporate leadership and veteran advocacy,” Simmons said. “More importantly, the values of service and leadership instilled at HSU continue to guide my mission to strengthen military readiness by strengthening military families.”

After being forced out of active duty due to his principled stand against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Simmons transitioned to Amazon, where he led large-scale logistics initiatives with billion-dollar impacts. In 2025, he left Amazon to advocate full time for service members through the Walk the Talk Foundation, leveraging his policy expertise and lived experience to champion military readiness and support those facing institutional challenges.

“I am very proud to see the work HSU continues to do and how the campus continues to produce leaders in every field, and I am excited for its future. As a native of West Texas, I can only hope to carry forward that legacy to Washington,” Simmons said.

For more information about Hardin-Simmons University, its academic programs, and the impactful work of its alumni, visit njhdbl.com.

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is a Christian university rated among the top private colleges in Texas. From its Cowboy Spirit to its commitment to excellence, HSU offers students the chance to discover their God-given potential in an atmosphere that feels like home. By offering programs that match industry needs, students graduate equipped to break down barriers. With over 50 academic programs, more than 40 organizations, 18 varsity sports, and 30 clubs and organizations, HSU has a place for everyone to be a Cowboy! #WEARECOWBOYS

###