Simpson College
Simpson College is a private liberal arts college located in Indianola, Iowa, affiliated with the United Methodist Church.[1][2] Founded in 1860 as the Indianola Male and Female Seminary and later renamed to honor Methodist Bishop Matthew Simpson, the institution emphasizes a comprehensive undergraduate education with a focus on experiential learning and community engagement.[2][3]
The college enrolls approximately 1,200 full-time undergraduate students from over 40 states and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, fostering close-knit academic environments in fields such as business, education, and sciences.[2][4] It competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Storm and has been ranked as Iowa's top college and #5 among Regional Colleges Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.[4][5]
Simpson holds historical distinction as the college where George Washington Carver, the pioneering agricultural chemist, commenced his higher education in 1890, initially pursuing art and piano before transferring to Iowa State University.[6] The institution preserves a dedicated Carver collection and annually celebrates his legacy through events highlighting his early experiences there.[6]
History
Founding and Early Development (1860–1900)
Simpson College traces its origins to the Indianola Male and Female Seminary, which opened on September 24, 1860, in a modest building on East Salem Avenue in Indianola, Iowa, under the leadership of principal E.W. Gray, who had prior experience at Iowa Wesleyan University.[7][8] The seminary was incorporated earlier that month following a petition approved by local Methodist-affiliated groups seeking to establish a coeducational institution in the region, reflecting the era's emphasis on accessible higher education tied to religious values.[8] In September 1865, the institution was renamed the Des Moines Conference Seminary, underscoring its formal ties to the Methodist Des Moines Conference.[7] It transitioned to college status on September 21, 1867, adopting the name Simpson Centenary College to honor Methodist Bishop Matthew Simpson—a prominent orator who delivered Abraham Lincoln's funeral eulogy—and to commemorate American Methodism's centennial.[7][9] Reverend Samuel Milton Vernon, aged 25, served as its first president after a brief stint as principal of the seminary.[10] Early infrastructure included the construction of the first permanent building, known as "The Bluebird," in 1861, which was destroyed by a storm in 1871.[7] A chapel, later renamed College Hall, was erected in 1870 and served as the primary academic facility until 1900.[7] Bishop Simpson himself addressed the commencement exercises in 1882, reinforcing the institution's Methodist heritage.[7] The name was simplified to Simpson College in June 1885, marking a period of stabilization amid modest enrollment and gradual expansion in a rural Iowa setting.[7] By 1870, the college had produced its first class of six graduates, indicative of its nascent scale.[11]Expansion and Key Milestones (1900–1950)
Under the presidency of Charles E. Shelton from 1899 to 1910, Simpson College pursued expansion through the Jubilee Campaign, which increased the endowment and supported construction of several facilities, including the Conservatory of Music in 1902 (later known as Barrows Hall), the Administration Building in 1900, the Carnegie Library, and the Central Heating Plant in 1901.[10][7] The Administration Building functioned as a primary academic and administrative hub until a fire destroyed it in 1918, resulting in the loss of most institutional records.[7][12] John L. Hillman, serving from 1919 to 1936, oversaw further growth in faculty and student numbers alongside securing a million-dollar endowment, while steering the college through the economic hardships of the Great Depression; during this period, Simpson gained membership in the American Association of Colleges (predecessor to selective associations) and the American Association of University Women.[10] Hillman's tenure emphasized financial stabilization and academic enhancement amid national challenges. Earl E. Harper's brief presidency from 1936 to 1938 introduced structural reforms, reorganizing the curriculum into five divisions and establishing a Student-Faculty Federation to promote collaborative governance.[10] John O. Gross led from 1939 to 1941 as World War II began impacting higher education, followed by Edwin E. Voigt from 1942 to 1952, who addressed wartime and postwar enrollment declines by fundraising for new women's and men's dormitories to accommodate returning students.[10] These efforts sustained campus infrastructure development despite external pressures from global conflicts.[10]Modern Era and Institutional Changes (1950–Present)
Following World War II, Simpson College experienced significant growth under President William E. Kerstetter (1953–1963), who oversaw increased enrollment, doubled faculty salaries, expanded the faculty, and initiated the Vital Center program featuring prominent speakers alongside the establishment of an Oxford Exchange Program.[10] Fundraising efforts during this period secured an endowed chair, external grants, and funding for a new library, while the campus footprint doubled through acquisitions and developments, including a new science hall completed in 1956 and later rebuilt as Wallace Hall in 1966 after a fire.[7] Subsequent leadership under Presidents Richard B. Lancaster (1972–1979) and Robert E. McBride (1979–1987) focused on financial stabilization, with Lancaster implementing stricter admissions standards and general education requirements, and McBride balancing the budget, introducing evening and Saturday classes, and raising $20 million through the Fund for Excellence to construct the Amy Robertson Music Center and McNeill Business Center.[10] Under Stephen G. Jennings (1987–1998), the college launched a $37 million "Secure the Promise" campaign, enabling expansions to the Carver Science Center, construction of Picken Hall, and renovation of Wallace Hall; the athletic teams adopted the "Storm" moniker in 1992.[10] Later presidents continued modernization: Kevin LaGree (1999–2005) obtained a $2 million Lilly Endowment grant, developed a campus master plan, and created positions for multicultural affairs and marketing; John Byrd (2005–2013) established the John C. Culver Public Policy Center, Iowa History Center, and a neuroscience major while expanding the Blank Performing Arts Center and introducing the Carver Medal in 2008.[10] Jay Simmons (2013–2019) implemented the Simpson Promise for tuition coverage, completed a $25 million campaign, and built the Pedestrian Plaza.[10] In recent years, Marsha Kelliher (2020–2023) guided the institution to rankings as Iowa's top private college by Money.com and No. 7 in U.S. News & World Report's Midwest category for 2022–2023, alongside expansions in online and graduate programs.[10][13] Jay Byers (2023–2025) oversaw a $10 million Dunn Library renovation completed in May 2024, the debut of women's varsity wrestling in 2023–2024, and enrollment growth to a decade-high of 1,200 undergraduates in fall 2024 with a 5% retention increase; Byers died abruptly in April 2025, leading to acting president Terry Handley (April–July 2025) and current interim president Sue Stuebner.[10][14] In 2021, Simpson affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network, becoming the third U.S. college to align with the organization advocating for LGBTQ inclusion within the United Methodist Church amid denominational debates.[15] Enrollment had peaked near 1,600 in 2010–2011 before declining, but rebounded with 381 new students in 2023—the largest incoming class in five years—and continued increases.[16][17]Campus and Facilities
Location and Grounds
Simpson College is situated at 701 N C Street in Indianola, Iowa, a small city located approximately 12 miles south of Des Moines, enabling a 20-minute drive to the state's capital for access to urban amenities, internships, and cultural opportunities.[18] The campus lies in the heart of Indianola, near the town's Downtown Square, which features local dining, shopping, and community gathering spaces within a few blocks.[18] The college's grounds encompass 85 tree-shaded acres, blending historic architecture with modern facilities to create a dynamic and welcoming environment.[18][2] Key features include classic academic buildings, vibrant residence halls, and first-rate athletic complexes connected by walkable paths that facilitate student movement across the campus.[18] To the north, the campus is bordered by Buxton Park, a serene public space adjacent to Simpson that includes formal gardens, an ornamental fountain, and the Buxton Park Arboretum with diverse tree collections, butterfly gardens, and public art installations.[19][20] This proximity enhances the campus's green expanse and provides recreational opportunities for students and the community.[21]Key Buildings and Infrastructure
College Hall, constructed in 1870 as the college's original chapel, functioned as the primary academic building until 1900 and remains a central historic structure on campus.[7] Originally known as the Old Chapel, it features red brick gates through which first-year students traditionally process in the fall, symbolizing their entry into college life, while seniors march through in spring to mark commencement.[22] The building also houses the Simpson seal embedded in the sidewalk outside, which students avoid stepping on due to a longstanding superstition associating it with academic misfortune.[22] Wallace Hall, built in 1888 as Science Hall by architect William T. Proudfoot, originally contained laboratories, a library, museum, classrooms, music rooms, and an art studio to support scientific education.[23] [24] It gained historical significance as the site of George Washington Carver's classroom during his studies at Simpson from 1890 to 1891, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.[24] Following a fire, the building underwent major renovations in 1967, including updates to windows, roof, and interior, and was rededicated as Henry A. Wallace Hall of Science; it currently serves classrooms for departments such as geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology.[24] The campus infrastructure encompasses 85 tree-shaded acres blending historic architecture with modern facilities, including fully wireless connectivity across academic buildings and residence halls.[18] [25] A central heating plant, established in 1901, was relocated underground in 1962 between Pfeiffer Hall and Dunn Library to modernize utilities.[7] Athletic infrastructure includes Cowles Fieldhouse and Hopper Gymnasium, which received upgrades in 2021 to address indoor and outdoor venue needs.[26] In September 2025, the Board of Trustees approved renovations to Pfeiffer Dining Hall and the adjacent Great Hall.[27] Construction began in October 2025 on a 10,000-square-foot gymnastics facility near the softball field.[28] Smith Chapel hosts annual traditions such as Lessons and Carols, a candle-lit Christmas service featuring hymns and readings since the 1970s.[22] Residence halls and nearby college-owned apartments, including Clinton, Colonial, Detroit, Hamilton, Station Square, Washington, and Weinman, provide housing with amenities like community baths, laundry, kitchens, and lounges.[29]Academics
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Simpson College, a private liberal arts institution, primarily awards undergraduate degrees including the Bachelor of Arts (requiring 128 credits) and Bachelor of Music (132 credits), both necessitating a minimum GPA of 2.00, completion of a major with grades of C- or better, and fulfillment of the Simpson Core Curriculum as general education requirements.[30] At least 64 credits for BA transfers from two-year institutions or 32 from four-year ones must be earned at Simpson, with majors comprising at least 40 credits (16 at Simpson) and minors 20-24 credits (8 at Simpson).[30] Students are classified by credit accumulation: freshmen with 29 or fewer credits, sophomores with 29.01-61, juniors with 61.01-95, and seniors with 95.01 or more.[30] Additionally, participants must complete one May Term course every two years to encourage intensive, focused study.[30] The curriculum is organized into four divisions: Division A (business, computer science, multimedia), Division B (criminal justice, literature, history), Division C (biology, chemistry, sport science), and Division D (music, theatre, teacher education).[30] Course numbering reflects progression: 100-level for introductory material, 200-level for focused topics often with prerequisites, and 300-level for advanced study.[30] The college offers over 70 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs, enabling combinations such as biochemistry, environmental science, and interdisciplinary tracks in areas like global management or forensic science.[31] Pre-professional preparation includes pathways for medicine, law, engineering, and health fields like physician assistant or veterinary medicine.[32] Central to the undergraduate experience is the Simpson Core Curriculum, which mandates exploration of liberal arts and sciences to foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary knowledge, beginning with a First-Year Experience course.[33] This framework integrates the college's Methodist heritage with practical skills for professional readiness, emphasizing hands-on learning through internships, research, and faculty mentorship.[34] Graduate offerings include master's degrees in teaching, criminal justice, and data analytics, delivered in flexible formats including online options for working professionals.[35]Faculty and Research
Simpson College employs 103 full-time faculty members, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, which supports close mentorship and small class sizes, with 50% of classes having fewer than 20 students.[1][36] Faculty hold terminal degrees in their fields and engage in teaching across 75 majors, minors, and programs, emphasizing personalized instruction in a liberal arts environment.[36] Research at Simpson centers on undergraduate involvement, with faculty mentoring students in original projects across disciplines such as mathematics, neuroscience, and the arts.[37] The Bryan Summer Research Program selects six students annually for eight-week collaborations with faculty, providing stipends and room and board to facilitate focused inquiry, particularly in mathematics but extending to other areas.[38] Faculty receive institutional support through grants for research travel and professional development, alongside a Distinguished Research Award recognizing scholarly contributions.[39][40] The college hosts an annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, where over 120 students presented projects in 2024 via oral sessions, posters, performances, and panels, highlighting faculty-guided work in labs, studios, and field studies.[41] This event, now in its 15th year as of 2025, underscores Simpson's commitment to experiential learning, including courses like EXPL 231 that integrate research into the curriculum.[42][43] Faculty research has led to practical outcomes, such as student-faculty collaborations sparking a campus startup in 2022.[44] Institutional resources, including the Teaching and Learning Center, further bolster faculty scholarship and ethical oversight for human subjects research via an internal review board.[45][46]Libraries and Resources
Dunn Library serves as the primary academic library at Simpson College, providing physical and digital collections, study spaces, and support services to students and faculty. Originally completed in 1964 and named after former college president Rex A. Dunn, the facility underwent a $10.5 million renovation starting in 2022, which preserved its 35,515 square feet while modernizing interiors for enhanced functionality; it reopened in early 2024.[47][48] The library houses approximately 120,320 volumes and supports an annual circulation of 4,400 transactions, with collections including books, journals, scores, DVDs, e-books, and e-journals accessible via the library's website.[49] The library's layout spans three floors: the first floor accommodates the Center for Academic Resources (CAR), which offers tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction; TRiO Student Support Services for eligible low-income, first-generation, or disabled students; and the Teacher Education department with a curriculum lab for education majors.[48][50] The second floor features research assistance desks, library services offices, and primary physical collections, while the third floor provides quiet collaborative areas, group study rooms, individual carrels, and the Walt Research Library & Archives.[48] Operating hours during the academic year include Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight, with adjusted schedules during breaks.[48] Special Collections and Archives, located on the third floor, encompass over 800 linear feet of materials such as manuscripts, photographs, maps, recordings, and memorabilia, available for in-house use by appointment only.[51] Notable holdings include the George Washington Carver Collection, documenting the life and work of the college alumnus and inventor who studied at Simpson in the 1890s; an Antebellum South collection; Asian art books; and the Lehmann Collection of ancient pottery.[6][48] Digital archives feature digitized issues of the student newspaper The Simpsonian (since 1870), the Zenith yearbook, and Simpson Magazine, supplemented by access to the MOBIUS consortium offering over 29 million items through the Libby app.[48] Research resources include subscription databases such as Academic Search Ultimate for broad scholarly articles, JSTOR for archival journals in arts and sciences, Nexis Uni for news and legal sources, and specialized tools like ACS Chemistry Journals and BioOne for scientific content, available on- and off-campus to current affiliates.[52] Additional support encompasses LibGuides for subject-specific research, interlibrary loan services, and librarian consultations via email or in-person assistance to facilitate information literacy and coursework.[48]Organization and Administration
Governance Structure
Simpson College is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of approximately 40 members drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, including alumni, business leaders, and representatives from affiliated institutions such as the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church.[53][54] The board holds final authority over major institutional decisions, including strategic direction, policy approval, and oversight of the president, with members elected or appointed to terms that ensure continuity and expertise in areas like finance, education, and community leadership.[55] The president, appointed by the board, serves as the chief executive officer responsible for day-to-day administration, implementation of board policies, and leadership of the President's Cabinet—a group of nine senior administrators representing key areas such as academics, finance, and student affairs.[53] As of July 28, 2025, Dr. Susan D. Stuebner holds the position of interim president, working in close partnership with the board to advance institutional goals amid recent leadership transitions.[53] Shared governance incorporates faculty input on academic matters, with the faculty assembly holding primary responsibility for policies related to curriculum, degree requirements, and academic standards.[55] The Faculty Council acts as a liaison between faculty and administration, advising on shared governance issues, strategic planning, and procedural matters, while standing committees—such as those for curriculum and personnel—facilitate faculty participation in decision-making.[55] Faculty representatives, including the faculty chair and committee leads, attend select board meetings in non-voting capacities to provide academic perspectives.[55] As a college affiliated with the United Methodist Church since its founding in 1860, Simpson maintains a non-sectarian ethos, admitting students regardless of creed and integrating church representatives on the board without granting the denomination direct operational control.[56][54] This structure balances ecclesiastical heritage with independent governance, emphasizing academic freedom and institutional autonomy.[55]Leadership and Presidents
Simpson College is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of approximately 40 members with diverse professional backgrounds, which holds ultimate authority over policy, finances, and the appointment of the president as chief executive officer.[53][54] The president oversees daily operations, supported by a cabinet of nine senior administrators representing key areas such as academics, finance, and student affairs.[53] The institution has had 25 presidents since classes began in 1866, with tenures varying from brief interim roles to multi-decade service amid financial challenges, enrollment growth, and curriculum expansions.[10] Early presidents focused on debt elimination, infrastructure like Science Hall (1887) and Carnegie Library (1907), and introducing athletics such as football in 1886.[10] Mid-20th-century leaders navigated the Great Depression, World War II enrollment dips, and post-war expansions, including new dormitories and faculty salary doublings.[10] Modern presidents have emphasized fundraising—such as $37 million campaigns in the 1990s and $25 million in the 2010s—strategic plans for record enrollments, and innovations like the Simpson Promise tuition guarantee (2013).[10] The following table lists all presidents chronologically, including terms and notable contributions:| No. | Name | Term | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S.M. Vernon | 1866–1868 | First president; resigned after four months for theological studies.[10] |
| 2 | Alexander Burns | 1868–1878 | Ordained minister; resigned for Canadian college presidency.[10] |
| 3 | Thomas S. Berry | 1878–1880 | Civil War veteran; died in office.[10] |
| 4 | Edward L. Parks | 1880–1886 | Eliminated debt, doubled enrollment.[10] |
| 5 | William E. Hamilton | 1886–1889 | Oversaw Science and Ladies Halls; introduced football; later acting president multiple times.[10] |
| 6 | Edmund M. Holmes | 1889–1892 | Alumnus; created military battalion.[10] |
| 7 | Fletcher Brown | 1892–1898 | Alumnus; navigated financial depression.[10] |
| 8 | Joseph B. Harris | 1898–1899 | Interim; introduced electives.[10] |
| 9 | Charles E. Shelton | 1899–1910 | Grew enrollment and endowment; built Conservatory and Library.[10] |
| 10 | James W. Campbell | 1916–1919 | Established business department.[10] |
| 11 | John L. Hillman | 1919–1936 | Longest tenure; guided through Depression; building named in honor.[10] |
| 12 | Earl E. Harper | 1936–1938 | Restructured curriculum into divisions.[10] |
| 13 | John O. Gross | 1939–1941 | Managed World War II impacts.[10] |
| 14 | Edwin E. Voigt | 1942–1952 | Post-war funding for dorms.[10] |
| 15 | William E. Kerstetter | 1953–1963 | Doubled salaries; initiated Oxford program.[10] |
| 16 | Hurford E. Stone | 1963 (Apr–Nov) | Acting; reenergized campus.[10] |
| 17 | Ralph C. John | 1963–1972 | Expanded faculty and buildings amid unrest.[10] |
| 18 | Richard B. Lancaster | 1972–1979 | Doubled endowment.[10] |
| 19 | Robert E. McBride | 1979–1987 | Raised $20 million; built centers.[10] |
| 20 | Stephen G. Jennings | 1987–1998 | $37 million raised; athletic rebranding.[10] |
| 21 | Bruce Haddox | 1998–1999 | Interim; record enrollment.[10] |
| 22 | Kevin LaGree | 1999–2005 | Secured grants; strengthened marketing.[10] |
| 23 | John Byrd | 2005–2013 | Curriculum enhancements; centers established.[10] |
| 24 | Jay Simmons | 2013–2019 | Launched tuition guarantee; $25 million campaign.[10] |
| 25 | Bob Lane | 2020 (Jan–May) | Interim; pandemic support.[10] |
| - | Marsha Kelliher, J.D. | 2020–2023 | First female; top Iowa private college ranking.[10] |
| - | Jay Byers, J.D. | 2023–Apr 17, 2025 | Record enrollment; library renovation; died in office.[10] |
| - | Terry Handley ’09 | 2025 (Apr–Jul) | Acting; former CEO.[10] |
Admissions, Enrollment, and Demographics
Admissions Process and Statistics
Simpson College employs a holistic admissions process for first-year undergraduate applicants, evaluating academic performance, extracurricular involvement, work or volunteer experience, and overall fit with the institution.[58] Applications are accepted via the Common Application, with decisions and merit scholarship notifications typically issued within two weeks of submission.[59] High school transcripts are required, along with consideration of class rank and completion of college-preparatory courses, while standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT are optional.[60][61] No application essays beyond the Common App personal statement are mandated, and the process operates on a rolling basis without strict deadlines for most applicants.[59] For the 2024 admissions cycle, Simpson College reported an acceptance rate of 89%, admitting 1,463 out of 1,646 applicants.[62] The average high school GPA among admitted students is 3.57, reflecting a requirement for solid but not exceptional academic preparation, typically a mix of A's and B's with few C's.[63] Among test-submitters, middle 50% SAT scores range from 890 to 1250, and ACT scores align with comparable percentiles, though the test-optional policy means many applicants forgo submission.[64] Yield rate stands at approximately 24%, indicating that about one in four admitted students enrolls.[65]| Admissions Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (2024) | 89%[62] |
| Average Admitted GPA | 3.57[63] |
| SAT Middle 50% (Submitters) | 890–1250[64] |
| Yield Rate | 24%[65] |
Student Body Composition
As of fall 2023, Simpson College enrolled a total of 1,163 students, including 1,140 undergraduates and 23 graduate students, with undergraduates comprising 98% of the student body.[66] Undergraduate enrollment rose to 1,235 students by fall 2024.[4] Approximately 96% of undergraduates attend full-time.[66] The gender distribution among undergraduates is 53% female and 47% male.[66] Undergraduate racial and ethnic composition reflects limited diversity, with White students forming the substantial majority at 75%, followed by Hispanic or Latino students at 11%.[66]| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage of Undergraduates |
|---|---|
| White | 75% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 11% |
| Black/African American | 4% |
| Two or More Races | 4% |
| Asian | 2% |
| Nonresident Alien | 2% |
| Unknown | 1% |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 0% |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 0% |