Simpson President Opportunity Profile 2018

simpson university
2018 PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH
OPPORTUNITY PROFILE

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GREETINGS
FROM CHAIR OF THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
Dear Prospective Candidate,
Thank you for exploring your potential fit for the Presidency of Simpson University.
Simpson University has experienced momentous changes in 25-year increments; 25 years ago we
moved the campus from San Francisco to Redding, 25 years before that we moved the campus from
Seattle to San Francisco and each of those were accompanied by significant impacts on faculty, facilities,
fundraising, and a host of other arenas. At our 100th year we are poised for more significant changes,
this time impacted by national trends, political challenges, student profiles and financial trends. As
you can imagine, these challenges require creative and dynamic leadership and thus our search for a
president is a key component of our plans for the next 25 years.
I hope you will peruse the Opportunity Profile, explore the Simpson University website, and watch
our video presentation to gain an impression of the ongoing strengths and commitments of Simpson
University and Tozer Seminary. The challenges may be daunting, but you will see vision, energy, and
commitment that will carry the campus forward under God’s leadership and guidance.
If your spiritual gifts, talents, and experience qualify you as a candidate, we invite you to review the
Process of Candidacy section and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions, please contact
Tommy Thomas or Laura Coverstone (615.261.4623), the JobfitMatters consultants who are assisting
us in conducting this search.
We hope you will consider adding your talents and experience to our vision and mission. We are eager
to see who God calls to lead Simpson as its next president.
Sincerely,
Jim Postma
Presidential Search Committee Chair
OVERVIEW
Founded by the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) denomination, Simpson University has
been equipping students intellectually and spiritually for almost 100 years. Simpson has been shaped
by the theological legacy of C&MA pastors A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer, sharing their conviction that
God’s saving purpose is the renewal of human hearts and lives through the transforming work of the
Holy Spirit.
With the retirement of current President Robin Dummer in May 2018, Simpson is now embarking
on a search for the 15th President of the institution. The next leader will have many strengths on
which to build Simpson’s future. The scenic surroundings and the ongoing development of the campus
master plan create a dynamic and welcoming environment for learning and recreation. The faculty of
Simpson University is known for caring and personal interaction with students, while maintaining the
fervent desire to follow God and to guide students toward a greater knowledge of God and His world.
Programs and individual courses seek to not only develop deep knowledge and expertise in particular
areas, but to do so with a view to how God has provided all knowledge and wants each student to use
what they learn in God’s service.
Along with these strengths, Simpson faces many of the same challenges that other small, private liberal
arts colleges are facing, but the severity and toll on the community have been significant. Finances and
enrollment pressure are clearly at the top of the list of challenges. Dropping from a peak high of 1200
students, Simpson is currently serving 900. The culture and marketplace is changing rapidly, placing
ever-increasing and changing demands on Christ-centered institutions. The Simpson community
needs a missional leader who thrives on this challenge; someone who will lead them in crystalizing a
vision for the future of Simpson and making this vision a reality. Specifically, Simpson’s next president
must be drawn to develop new partnerships and resources while maintaining existing relationships. The
President should be energized by spending time with various constituent groups; sharing the Simpson
vision; drawing potential students, donors and other strategic partners into the Simpson Vision.
Above all, the Simpson community seeks a President who walks closely with God and trusts Him for a
prosperous future (Jeremiah 29:11). Simpson needs a leader who is strong, decisive, and Holy Spirit led.

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WHO WE ARE
HISTORY OF SIMPSON
IDENTITY
Simpson University is an evangelical, Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies in scenic
northern California where servant leadership is achieved through undergraduate, graduate and continuing
education programs.
MISSION
Simpson University is a Christ-centered learning community committed to developing each student in mind,
faith and character for a life-time of meaningful work and service in a constantly changing world.
VISION
Simpson University’s passion is to be the university of choice for students who aspire to achieve their chosen
life goals through a Christ-led, transformational and innovative education.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
We profess the supremacy of Jesus Christ as Lord of all. In faith, we submit ourselves to His authority and His
Word and seek His wisdom. We will reflect His character in our daily lives. Simpson will be a Christ-honoring
university and we embrace the Core Values below, which inform our identity and drive our Vision for the future.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Simpson Statement of Faith may be found at Simpson Statement of Faith.
CORE VALUES
Community
We are a covenantal community. We
commit to creating a learning community
that is intentionally and faithfully
hospitable and welcoming; inclusive and
diverse; practicing justice, fairness and
respect for all people; compassionate, kind
and loving; reflecting the heart and image
of God in all that we do.
Excellence
We commit to excellence in teaching,
scholarship, recruitment, leadership,
management, stewardship, and
interpersonal interactions and to
continuously improve in all our practices.
Accountability
We commit to individual and corporate
responsibility for our actions, decisions,
communications, and performance and
welcome evaluation and feedback.
Integrity
We commit to honor God and each other
through openness, honesty and ethical
conduct in all matters.
Service
We commit to honor God by modeling
Christ’s example of service to all
humanity. Our calling as a Christian
university is to be a “gateway to world
service” and a place where the Great
Commission is lived out.
Note: All Simpson University employees will
be asked to affirm these values each time that
an employment agreement is tendered by the
institution. Affirmation by signature indicates an
understanding of these values and a commitment to
live and work in support of these tenets.
Simpson University was founded in 1921 as Simpson
Bible Institute by W.W. Newberry, who served as its
first president. Established in Seattle, Washington, the
school was named in honor of Albert Benjamin Simpson
(1843-1919), a Presbyterian minister who pioneered the
Bible institute movement during the late nineteenth
century and founded the Christian and Missionary
Alliance. Initially offering a two-year program of study,
the school was designed to promote spiritual growth and
prepare students for Christian life and service, especially
overseas.
As the 1926 catalog stated: “Seattle is several hundred
miles nearer to China than any other trade routes across
the Pacific...if this is the gateway through which the
blessed gospel must reach millions yet in darkness, it is
an ideal place to train and equip those who shall carry it
to these needy souls...”
By 1940, Simpson was offering a choice of programs:
Theology, Missiology and Bible/Music. By 1945, it had
officially become the western regional school of the
C&MA.
In 1955, the school moved to San Francisco, and its name
was changed to Simpson Bible College since it was now
granting bachelor’s degrees. Simpson has been regionally
accredited by WSCUC since 1969. Over the years, the
college continued to broaden its academic offerings so
that by the time the half-century mark was reached in
1971, it had become a more comprehensive liberal arts
college offering professional, as well as biblical studies.
That same year, the name was changed to Simpson
College.
Another historic milestone was passed in 1989 when
Simpson relocated to its current location in Redding
and began building a new campus, which is still a work
in progress. Since the move, undergraduate enrollment
has grown from less than 200 to its current enrollment
of 710. Graduate programs (including the School of
Education and A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary) have
been established, and the Adult Studies (ASPIRE)
program was added. In 2004, Simpson College became
Simpson University.
The addition of Simpson’s School of Nursing in 2012
and completion of the state-of-the-art Science and
Nursing Center in 2013 have led to significant regional
and state-wide recognition of the program. In 2017,
The Betty M. Dean School of Nursing was ranked 14th
out of the top 30 nursing schools in California.
Today, Simpson students represent a range of Christian
denominations. Typically, the largest segment are
members of The Christian and Missionary Alliance; the
remainder are associated with more than 30 different
denominations and several independent churches. They
represent a mix of ethnic backgrounds, and they come
from a number of states and foreign countries.
The faculty, as well, reflect a broad range of evangelical
backgrounds. Educated at a cross-section of institutions
across the nation, they are also
experienced in international
study and ministry.
Since the early 1950’s, the
logo-statement of the college
has been “Gateway to World
Service.” Although the original
mission has expanded since
1921 and alumni of today
serve in a variety of ministerial
and lay professions, Simpson
University maintains its focus
on global service and its
passion to deliver the
gospel of Christ to
those still lost in
darkness.

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AT-A-GLANCE
ESTABLISHED 1921
NUMBER OF ALUMNI 12,296
CHRISTIAN DISTINCTIVES
1. We Are Historically Orthodox. We affirm the historic Christian faith, as attested in the divinely
inspired and authoritative Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. We rejoice that God’s grace is
available to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that through faith in Christ we are
delivered from sin and death and empowered by the Holy Spirit for lives of joyful obedience to the Father.
2. We Are Clearly Evangelical. We stand within the broad evangelical tradition of Christianity and, as
such, we joyfully accept the task of proclaiming the evangel—God’s good news—to the world. We understand
this to mean that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world and that he alone can liberate broken and
fallen human beings from sin and death. We lift high the authority of Holy Scripture as divinely inspired,
embraced by the church as central to our understanding and witness. We affirm that the Holy Spirit works
in human hearts to kindle faith in Jesus Christ, to restore people to a right relationship with God and each
other, and to begin transforming people into the likeness of Christ.
3. We Are Distinctively C&MA. The Christian and Missionary Alliance is our founding denomination.
We are informed by the theological legacy of A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer. Jesus Christ is our Savior,
Sanctifier, Healer and coming King!
4. We Are Denominationally Collaborative. From the outset the C&MA gathered persons from many
theological and ecclesial traditions who had experienced the transforming power of Jesus Christ through the
indwelling spirit and who wanted to serve the world. We believe that theological diversity, when grounded in
historic orthodoxy and a common and vital faith in Christ, enriches learning and bears witness to our Lord’s
call for unity within the church.
STUDENT PROFILE
903
ENROLLMENT
[881 FTE (2017-18)]
.8%
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
64%
MALE
FEMALE
36%
FACULTY AND STAFF
11:1
STUDENT-TO-FACULTY
RATIO
50%
FACULTY WITH
DOCTORATE DEGREES
CURRENT STUDENT BODY
Undergraduate Students 531
Adult Students 179
Education Students 123
Graduate Students 29
Seminary Students 41
Average High School GPA 3.36
Average Incoming Freshman SAT 1093
Student Retention Rate 68%
Five year freshman graduation rate 58%
2000+
STUDENTS ON MISSION
TRIPS OVER 20 YEARS
42
FULL-TIME FACULTY
65
FULL-TIME
STAFF
TUITION AND AID (2017-18)
TOP DENOMINATIONS REPRESENTED
3%
CAMPUS DETAILS
85
ACRES
Tuition $27,700
Room and Board $8,350
Discount rate: 41.5%
% of Traditional Undergraduate Students
who Receive Aid 99%
% of all undergraduates who receive Cal
Grant: 28% PELL: 49%
9.6%
69.1%
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BUILDINGS
5.3%
4.5%
2.1%
FINANCES
NONDENOMINATIONAL
CHRISTIAN & MISSIONARY
ALLIANCE
BAPTIST
CATHOLIC
UNKNOWN
OTHER
The Science and
Nursing Center is the
newest building on
campus - dedicated
OCTOBER 2014
Total Assets $36.5 MILLION
Annual Budget $19.5 MILLION
Current Debt $21 MILLION
Gifts and Grants 2017 $1.5 MILLION
Endowment $7.2 MILLION
12 VARSITY ATHLETIC TEAMS
ACCREDITATION
All Simpson degree programs are accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
while the credential programs are approved by the
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
The Tozer degrees (M.Div. and M.A.M.L.), the M.A. in
Teaching, and the M.A. in Education are approved by
WSCUC. The California Preliminary Teaching Credential
and the California Preliminary Administrative Services
Credential (PASC) are approved by the CCTC. The
School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
simpsonu.edu/about
facebook.com/simpsonu
twitter.com/simpsonu
instagram.com/simpsonuniversity

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PRESIDENTIAL PROFILE
The Position
The Simpson President is accountable to the Board of Trustees for compliance with the By-Laws
and Board Governance Policies for the overall leadership and management of Simpson University
in achieving its objectives.
Under the current organizational structure, the President’s direct reports include the following
members:
• Chief Operating Officer
• Director of Development
• Chief Academic Officer/Provost
The Challenge….The Call
As Simpson prepares to celebrate 100 years as an institution in 2021, there is a deep desire to
build on the foundation of the past and to continue preparing graduates to change the world in
God’s service. The challenges are many, but fundamentally fall in three categories. First, Simpson
must create a shared vision internally and with outside partners that results in unity and resources
to pursue and fulfill the vision. Second, there is a vital need to prioritize Simpson’s efforts in line
with the mission, vision and values in an environment that calls for trying everything to succeed
in higher education. Third, developing a sustainable business model and strategic partnerships are
crucial to assure adequate funding for operations, expansion and debt reduction. Such funding will
require a new balance of tuition income, donor income, a much larger endowment and reduced
dependence on government subsidies. The next president must take the lead in mobilizing all of
Simpson to pursue the essential priorities needed to
achieve her full potential.
QUALIFICATIONS
AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
• Promotes the Christ-centered spiritual vitality of
the university and personally models engagement in
worship and spiritual formation on campus and in
a local church. As a result, demonstrates a heart for
service through broad ministry experience.
• Maintains an unblemished record of integrity, sound
judgment, moral character, and personal reputation.
• Believes in and agrees with the C&MA Statement of
Faith and its mission and values; licensable with the
C&MA.
• Holds an earned doctorate from an accredited
institution of higher education and remains
conversant within his/her academic discipline.
• Understands and updates the Simpson University
Strategic Plan and is able to lead in accomplishing its
actionable objectives.
• Has the ability to think and analyze strategically as a
proactive planner.
• Demonstrates a strong knowledge of financial
management and business principles.
• Has the understanding of and ability to advocate for
the university’s efforts to build a diverse faculty, staff
and student body. Able to advocate for Simpson’s
diversity efforts and communicate with a diverse
student population.
• Is committed to enriching the campus community
with global perspectives.
• Demonstrates an ability to cast a vision and lead the
university in accomplishing its goals by influencing,
inspiring, and supporting others.
• Inspires excellence in others in promoting the
university’s vision and mission.
• Has a successful record of cultivating and maintaining
external relationships, including tangible success in
the development of financial resources, enrollment
development, and institutional marketing. Has the
ability to articulate a compelling vision that excites
alumni, donors, and potential students.
• Ensures that wise fundraising goals are set and
consistently met for the annual budgeted needs of the
university, and for the development of endowments
and other permanent financial and physical assets.
• Demonstrates effective listening, communication
and interpersonal relationship skills throughout the
greater Simpson community, with an ability to work
with and unify the various groups.
• Demonstrates visionary leadership that will inspire
and engage constituencies, including students,
staff, Board, faculty, alumni, donors, the Redding
community, and the C&MA.
• Views the Cabinet as a team, leveraging their gifts,
strengths, and talents to work collaboratively.
• Hires, directs, develops, supports, empowers, and
evaluates the persons in positions that report directly
to the President.
• Leads and works closely with the Board of Trustees to
help select members; enhances their capacity to ensure
the effectiveness of the Board through assessment
and development for collaborative leadership while
developing a culture of trust.
• Is aware of laws, regulations and trends affecting
Christian higher education and the ability to lead in
meeting challenges.
• Has an understanding of various educational delivery
models and cost structures. Demonstrates knowledge
of current competitive trends in higher education in
general and Christian education specifically, with a
readiness to lead Simpson University into the future
in light of these trends.
• Has formulated a statement of leadership theory and
practice.
• Articulates a clear understanding of Christian higher
education.

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DESIRED BACKGROUND
Simpson University’s next President should have an impressive array of executive leadership and
strategic experience and a financial background in leading organizations that face the challenges
commonly found in small colleges and universities. The list below is not meant to be exhaustive, but
rather to encourage potential candidates to understand the breadth of experiences that may fit well in
this position:
• Heart for service demonstrated through broad ministry experience.
• Ability to establish effective communication and relationships with diverse student populations.
• Awareness of laws, regulations and trends affecting Christian higher education and the ability to
lead in meeting challenges.
• An understanding of various educational delivery models and cost structures and a knowledge of
current competitive trends in higher education in general and Christian education specifically and
a readiness to lead Simpson University into the future in light of these trends.
• Inspirational in striving for excellence in promoting the university vision and mission.
• Superb communication skills with the ability to communicate with multiple audiences through
multiple media.
• Recognizes talents and competencies of individuals and capitalizes on those strengths through
shared decision-making and actions.
• Classroom experience.
EXPECTATIONS
OF THE PRESIDENT
Successful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well the President meets the
expectations of its Board, meets the needs of its students, and responds to the input of its faculty,
administration and other constituent groups. In a recent survey, respondents from a cross section of
the community named the top three priorities for the next President to be 1) strengthen the spiritual
development of the students, 2) improve the internal morale and climate of our university and 3) increase
the enrollment at our university. Certainly, Simpson is at a crossroads and the challenges are many, but the
community is hopeful for a faithful, decisive leader to guide the institution toward its centennial in 2021.
Based on the framework of the university’s mission, vision, identity, and core values, the Simpson
University Strategic Plan 2017-2021 is a dynamic document designed to guide the university. It focuses
on four institutional priorities that comprise strategic goals and measurable action plans.
Institutional Priorities:
1. Enhance Institutional Capacity for Sustainability and Growth
2. Enhance Institutional Capacity for Academic Sustainability and Innovation
3. Develop a Campus Community that is Intentionally Diverse, Socially Aware, and Environmentally
Engaged
4. Strengthen the Simpson Student Experience that is Transformative and Holistic
The full Strategic Plan may be found at https://simpsonu.edu/Pages/About/Simpson/Strategic-Plan.htm.

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LOCATION
REDDING, CALIFORNIA
Simpson University is located in Redding, California, 160 miles north of Sacramento and 230 miles
north of San Francisco. Redding is the largest city north of Sacramento, and serves as the regional hub
for retail, professional services, and government in the area. The average temprerature in January is
46 and in July is 82.
With mountains all around, miles of hiking and biking trails, a river running through it, and national
parks nearby, Redding is an outdoor paradise for young and old alike. Cradled by Mount Shasta and
Mount Lassen, Redding has 300+ sunny days per year.
There’s a variety of water sports in Redding, from whitewater rafting on the Sacramento River to waterskiing,
swimming, fishing and sailing on Shasta Lake, one of four magnificent manmade lakes in this
northeastern California town. TIME magazine called Redding the Unofficial Capital of Kayaking for
its obsession with all things paddling.
Redding also offers plenty of land-based activities, like camping or hiking in the national forests
and parks, following walking trails through the 220-acre arboretum or spending time exploring two
fascinating parks: Shasta State Historic Park and Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Shasta State features
the ghost town of Shasta City from the Gold Rush days, complete with restored stagecoach, barn
and courthouse, with eerie reminders of where prisoners were kept and sometimes hanged. The everexpanding
300-acre Turtle Bay Park houses the recently opened Turtle Bay Museum, with
extraordinary hands-on exhibits focusing on the environment and an outstanding collection of
American Indian baskets.
Resources:
http://www.cityofredding.org/about-us/area-information-and-demographics
REDDING, CA
PROCESS OF CANDIDACY
After reading this Opportunity Profile, if you sense the gifts and experience God has given you are a good
initial match for Simpson University, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. JobfitMatters will keep
all candidate information and conversations confidential. You may contact us at any stage of the process
to get more information and/or to ask questions. (Contact information below)
Please provide the following documents and responses for review:
• A current resume or CV.
• Responses to the following questions:
1. Share with us your personal statement of faith. Describe your spiritual journey and its relevance
to both your personal and professional life.
2. Briefly describe your philosophy of leadership, integrating your experience making changes in a
challenging environment. What other skills and experiences in your life lead you to believe that you
can be an effective leader for Simpson?
• Provide the names and contact information (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) for four
references who know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for this role.
JobfitMatters invites you to submit your information as soon as possible.
We will begin screening candidate materials by March 1.”
Submit this information in Microsoft Word (.doc) format to:
Tommy Thomas
JobfitMatters
resumes@simainternational.com
Phone: (615) 261-4623
In the subject line of the email, please write “Simpson - President”
• Located 160 miles North of Sacramento)
• Population: 91,110 (2015 census)
• County seat for Shasta County
• Medium family income: $44,614
• Two major hospitals: Mercy Medical
Center and Shasta Regional
Medical Center
• The median sales price for December
for a home is averaging
$247,000 compared to $248,000
in November of last year.
• Central hub for shopping, dining
and medical services
• Outdoor recreation: Shasta Lake,
Sacramento River, Lassen National
Park, Mount Shasta
SCHOOLS:
• 8 Middle Schools
• 15 High Schools
• 1 Community College
• 1 (4 year) University
• Shasta Bible College & Graduate
School
• National University