President's Office
President John W. Byrd
John W. Byrd is the 22nd president of Simpson College, assuming his duties on June 9, 2005. He and his wife, Nancy, came to Indianola from Evansville, Indiana, where he served as executive vice president at the University of Evansville. In thirty years of working in higher education he has a broad range of experience, bearing responsibility in academic services, planning and strategic services, planning and institutional research, student affairs, financial aid, and enrollment management.
Dr. Byrd is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia where he received both bachelors and masters degrees. He holds a Ph.D. in health education from Southern Illinois University.
Since coming to Simpson, President Byrd has initiated a new strategic thinking and planning process, overseen the implementation of new faculty initiatives, worked to increase diversity on campus, instituted plans to widen the college’s geographic reach, and overseen plans for building renovation and construction.
Dr. Byrd is actively involved with the Indianola Rotary Club. He serves on the Village Advisory Council, is a member of the Greater Des Moines Committee, serves as Secretary of the Board for the Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors, and is chair of the Executive Committee for Iowa Campus Compact. He also serves as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Mrs. Byrd is employed by Fifth Third Bank as Vice President, Regional Employee Relations Advisor. She is actively involved with Alpha Chi Omega and the United Way. Dr. Byrd is an avid cyclist and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities.
Sincerely,
John Byrd
President
Contact Information
Hillman 23
Email: presidents.office@simpson.edu
Contact Simpson College
800-362-2454 (toll-free)
or
515-961-6251 (locally)
Admissions:
800-362-2454 (toll-free)
or
515-961-1624 (locally)
Admissions office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon through Fri
