Draft:Ian Symmonds

Early Life and Education Ian Symmonds was born on September 4, 1966, in Galesburg, Illinois. Raised by his parents, Jack and Nancy Symmonds, he has two siblings, Lindsay Currie and John Symmonds. Growing up, Ian was an avid junior tennis player and went on to play Division I tennis at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Ian earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in History and Sociology in 1988 from Illinois State University. He continued his education at the same institution, receiving a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communication and Leadership in 1990.

Career Ian Symmonds launched Ian Symmonds & Associates Inc. in 2003 after spending over 15 years at the cabinet level in various private schools, colleges, and universities. . His roles at institutions such as Pacific University, Culver-Stockton College, Saint Mary’s Hall, and Trinity University included positions such as senior officer, executive director, and dean. Symmonds is recognized for his contributions to turning around enrollment and strategy for educational institutions.

Ian Symmonds and Associates is an industry leading, global consulting firm located in Southern California. With over 1,000 global clients, Symmonds and his team have been deemed the trusted voices of education and nonprofit strategy. Symmonds has worked with clients globally, traveling extensively to locations including England, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Dubai, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Greece. His firm is noted for its culturally relevant approach and progressive thinking, earning Symmonds a reputation as a leading thought leader in education.

Contributions and Activism Ian Symmonds is an author, speaker, and education activist. He launched the #JustCause campaign in 2011 to connect Ian Symmonds & Associates with organizations addressing structural poverty through education. Symmonds frequently speaks and writes about the role of education in community building and social issues. He is an advocate for progressive education and has published numerous articles in professional journals and presented at various educational conferences.

Publications and Speaking Engagements Symmonds is a prolific writer and speaker, contributing to educational discourse through various professional journals and conferences. He is known for his engaging presentations at regional, national, and global venues, sharing his insights on educational strategies and innovations.

Personal Life Ian Symmonds resides in Southern California with his wife, Lisa. They have two daughters, Makayla and Julianna, both graduates of Loyola Marymount University. In his leisure time, Symmonds enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and motorcycling. He remains passionate about culture and education, often traveling to connect with new environments and ideas