Simpson Receives NetVUE Professional Development Award

Simpson College has earned a $19,000 Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Professional Development Award. The award will support a new initiative that will integrate vocational discernment into first-year writing instruction through structured faculty training and curriculum development. The program launched this summer and will conclude by Spring 2026.

The initiative reflects Simpson’s ongoing commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven education and aims to equip faculty to help students — particularly first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students — explore identity, purpose and career pathways through reflective writing. By embedding vocational exploration into writing instruction, the project supports students’ personal development while also strengthening their academic and communication skills.

Dr. Kate Lerseth, Simpson’s associate dean of Curriculum and Assesment, designed the initiative in partnership with Dr. Teresa Swan Tuite, former associate dean of Student Success.

“This initiative embodies our deep commitment to fostering purpose-driven education that meets students where they are,” said Lerseth. “By integrating reflective writing into the classroom, we are not only enhancing academic and communication skills, but also empowering students to explore their identities, discover meaning in their experiences, and envision purposeful futures.”

In addition to Lerseth, the Simpson leadership team includes Dr. Jen McGovern, director of the Writing Center; Dr. Bradi Darrah, assistant professor of Education; and Melissa Daniels, instructional designer. This fall, the team will guide six full-time faculty through a training program to design and teach new writing-intensive courses that integrate vocation-centered activities and assignments.

The initiative is financially supported by the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc.