Notable author, historian and genealogist D. Brenton Simons OBE addressed Anderson University students, faculty, leadership and others during Opening Convocation September 3.
Simons, who served as president and CEO of the nonprofit organization American Ancestors from 2025 to 2024, played a central role in the international expansion of the field of family history, primarily at American Ancestors. He continues to serve the organization as president emeritus and chief stewardship officer. Simons has presented detailed family histories to numerous celebrities and public figures, ranging from former UK Prime Minister Sir John Major and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Behind the scenes of the Emmy-nominated PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Lewis Gates Jr., Simons fostered a long-term partnership with the producers.
In 2023 King Charles III named Simons an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), a rare honor for a non-British citizen.
Simons urged students in his audience to consider the value of knowing their heritage.
“Today, we can cite studies that show when young people, whether from the suburbs or the inner city, are provided with educational experiences in family history, they develop a greater sense of identity, more self-confidence and enhanced sense of purpose,” he said, adding, “It will be no surprise to you that faith and family heritage are inextricably intertwined, whether it was the quest for religious freedom that brought our ancestors through privation and peril to this land, or the centrality of faith to the way our ancestors lived. This relationship is shown over and over again as we explore our roots.”
Simons, who traces his roots to Roger Williams, founder of the first Baptist church in America, also talked about his Christian faith that dates to his confirmation as a child growing up in Aiken, South Carolina.
Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker presented Simons with an honorary Doctor of History degree for his contributions to history and genealogy.
Simons also participated that afternoon in a panel discussion entitled “The Importance of Family History and Family Legacy: Why it Should Matter to You.”
Opening Convocation took place in the Henderson Auditorium of the Rainey Fine Arts Center. The panel discussion took place in the Student Center Theater.