Travis Simkins

Dr. Travis Simkins brings a wealth of industry and academic experience to his role as an Associate Professor and Department Head in the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business at Southern Utah University. His educational journey includes Associate degrees from Ricks College, a Bachelor’s degree from Weber State University, a Master’s degree in International Management from the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a PhD from the University of Wyoming.

His career began with Expeditors International, a Fortune 500 global logistics firm, where he specialized in U.S. and Mexican customs brokerage and cross-border transportation. This experience gave him a strong foundation in international business operations and supply chain management, working in Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

After several years in logistics, Dr. Simkins transitioned to entrepreneurship and private equity, eventually returning to his Wyoming roots to launch a successful small business. He transformed a local auto parts store into a multi-faceted entertainment venue featuring an 8-lane bowling alley, two movie theaters, a café, and a proprietary pizza restaurant.

Pursuing his passion for education, Dr. Simkins earned a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Wyoming in 2017. Before joining Southern Utah University in 2019, he taught at Arkansas State University. At SUU, he leads the Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Sales, and Analytics (MESA) Department, combining practical industry insights with academic expertise to prepare students for the dynamic demands of modern business.

Dr. Simkins is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) who provides marketing, professional development, and executive education services to organizations nationwide. His work reflects a dedication to fostering innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership in the classroom and the professional world.