Midland University is proud to announce Dr. Jamie Simpson as its new Vice President for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness. She will also oversee Performing & Fine Arts at Midland. Simpson replaces Dr. Lawrence Chatters, who served as VP for Student Affairs since January of 2019.

Dr. Simpson had been serving as the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness. Prior to that role, she worked as Dean of the Luther College of Arts & Sciences for five years. Dr. Simpson started at Midland as an adjunct professor in 2010 before becoming a full-time psychology professor in 2012.

Dr. Simpson is looking forward to the opportunity to blend her knowledge of the academic side with Student Affairs. “I believe we provide a strong academic experience at Midland University, but I also know we provide great residential and co-curricular experiences,” she said. “I think this presents a great opportunity to merge multiple student experiences into one cohesive experience, and I’m excited to provide students with additional opportunities to help them learn and grow. People who work at Midland care deeply about our students, and I believe we have an institutional knowledge of what students are going through and what they need.”

Midland University president Jody Horner believes Dr. Simpson’s prior experience at Midland will ensure a smooth transition to her new role. “We are excited to have Dr. Simpson as our new Vice President for Student Affairs,” Horner said. “Dr. Simpson has a vast array of experience and knowledge of Midland University and our students. She will be an outstanding fit for this position.”

With a strong foundation in place, Dr. Simpson is excited for the opportunity to work with her new team in Student Affairs. “The Student Affairs team is doing incredible work, and I want to provide them the support to continue doing those things well,” she said. “We have so many great opportunities to support our students and make sure they have an awesome experience.” 

A native of Grand Island, Nebraska, Simpson earned her undergraduate degree, as well as a Master’s and PhD, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She and her husband, Scott, have two children.