Eager to Serve Simpson

Newly appointed Interim President Dr. Susan Stuebner received a warm welcome on campus today from a large gathering of Simpson community members and local leaders in Hubbell Hall. Acting Board of Trustees Chair Terry Lillis ’77 introduced Stuebner, emphasizing the many qualities that make her a strong fit for Simpson.

“Our focus was to get the right leader for Simpson College,” said Lillis. “We wanted an empathetic leader with strategic vision, strong financial acumen and the ability to fund raise. Sue brings all those things and more to Simpson.”

Lillis also used the occasion to praise Acting President Terry Handley ’09 for his “remarkable leadership” over the last three months following the death of President Jay Byers ’93. The packed gathering of Simpson supporters responded with a hearty standing ovation for Handley.

Handley will now transition back to his previous role as the chair of Simpson’s Board of Trustees. As such, he will be working closely with Interim President Stuebner, whose illustrious career in higher education has featured service with several institutions similar in size and mission to Simpson.

Feeling Right at Home

Stuebner was most recently the president of Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H., for eight years. Returning to her Midwest roots, the Minnesota native is thrilled to be at Simpson, which, she says, feels a lot like home already.

“As a prospective student, sometimes when you walk on a campus, you just know, this school is a fit,” said Stuebner. “This same feeling happened for me when I visited Simpson – I could picture myself being part of the Simpson College and neighboring communities. I could sense immediately that the people of Simpson are what make it such a remarkable college and community. As I learned about the opportunities and challenges Simpson faces, I felt I could share my experiences in similar situations to determine collectively the best path forward.”

Stuebner says Simpson is well poised to thrive despite the strong headwinds higher education faces today, noting the College’s strength and diversity of academic programs, “robust experiential learning opportunities” and impressive array of cocurricular offerings. Most of all, now preparing to serve her fourth Methodist-affiliated institution, she resonates deeply with Simpson’s values of discovery, access, citizenship, belonging, justice and integrity.

“Simpson is committed to a student-centered education that introduces students to lives of purpose and meaning,” said Stuebner. “This is a special place that transforms students’ lives with faculty and staff alike helping students to discover their strengths — often before they see them in themselves.”

Building strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders in Indianola, Des Moines and across Iowa will be a focal priority for Interim President Stuebner. She eagerly anticipates settling into Indianola with her two 75-pound labradoodles Fencer and Flint. Her duties at Simpson officially begin July 28.