A veteran of leading multi-campus and regional higher learning centers has been picked to be the next president of Front Range Community College.
Colorado Community College System Chancellor said today that Dr. Colleen Simpson will take over the FRCC presidency on Aug. 1 following the retirement of current president Andy Dorsey.
Simpson’s long career in higher education reflects enrollment management, student affairs, academic affairs, teaching and leadership, according to a FRCC news release.
“I am excited and deeply honored to be selected to lead Front Range Community College, and as president, I will continue to live the values of service, integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness in decision-making, '' Simpson said in the news release.
“FRCC is a dynamic, forward-thinking institution, and I am excited to amplify my commitment to students first, excellence in teaching and learning, and equitable outcomes for students, faculty, and instructors,” she said.
Simpson is a proven leader with unequivocal commitment to the community college mission and plans to draw on her extensive expertise to energize and lead the FRCC community into the next era, the news release states.
Simpson’s appointment makes her the first African American president at FRCC — which includes the Boulder County campus in Longmont — and the second African American woman president in CCCS.
Chancellor Garcia said Dr. Simpson’s clear focus on student access and success and on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will further strengthen the college, which is on the cusp of becoming a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution.
“Dr. Simpson knows what it takes to run a successful multi-campus institution and is constantly finding new ways to support and engage students, employees, and the college community,” said Chancellor Garcia. “Her commitment to access and inclusion will strengthen the college and ensure we meet the needs of the Front Range region, home to many of Colorado’s emerging industries. We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
Simpson was selected among dozens of applicants with diverse backgrounds as part of a competitive, nationwide search for candidates with high-level academic qualifications and leadership experience. The selection process was led by a 17-member advisory search committee, which worked diligently to screen and interview candidates and host community forums, according to the news release..
“I want to thank each member of the committee for dedicating their time and energy to the selection process,” Chancellor Garcia said. “Their rigorous search found us three highly-qualified finalists and a new president whose experience, vision, and values will move FRCC forward.”
Simpson is currently the Vice President of Student Services and Regional Learning Centers at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, where she oversees multi-campuses and five regional learning centers. In this role, she has focused on leading academic innovation, designing “student-ready” experiences, and addressing the educational, economic and workforce development needs of the region.
Prior to this role, Dr. Simpson served as the administrator overseeing retention and student success at Bronx Community College (CUNY) in her home state of New York, where she led and managed a comprehensive program of services promoting access, retention, engagement, and completion.
“With 54 years of rich history, FRCC is an incredibly strong and vibrant institution that has, and will no doubt continue, to provide exceptional educational and workforce opportunities that change lives and exceed the needs of the region,” said Dr. Simpson. “I am eager to work alongside FRCC’s faculty, instructors, staff, students, and the community and immerse myself in this transformative work.”
Simpson and her family look forward to joining the Front Range community this summer, the news release states.
Chancellor Garcia has appointed Dr. Rebecca Wolfe, FRCC Vice President for Academic Affairs and Online Learning, as interim president to serve during the time between President Dorsey’s retirement on June 30 and Dr. Simpson’s arrival on August 1.
