Simpson University President Announces Retirement
After serving 13 years as president of Simpson University, Dr. James M. Grant announced to the board of trustees and to the faculty and staff of his intention to retire effective April 29, 2006.
After serving 13 years as president of Simpson University, Dr. James M. Grant announced to the board of trustees and to the faculty and staff of his intention to retire effective April 29, 2006.
Under Grant's leadership, the campus has seen continuous development and now includes 14 permanent structures, according to an undated announcement released by the Christian liberal arts college located in Redding, Calif. Enrollment, meanwhile, has grown by a factor of three and the institution achieved the milestone of university status in 2004.
"Jim's courage and vision to develop a respected and successful institution of higher education, combined with his dynamic leadership helped bring Simpson University to where we are today,” said Dale Dyk, chairman of the University's board of trustees, in the released announcement. “He and [his wife] Hazel have given tirelessly of their time and energy representing Simpson University locally, throughout the country and around the world. Members of the Simpson community and the Redding area are beneficiaries of their talents and capabilities.
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“We are pleased with Dr. Grant's willingness to remain involved with the University and to extend his influence as we enter the next stage in our history."
During his years of dedicated service, Simpson University has graduated over 1,000 teachers serving the surrounding communities and over 3,000 graduates, while growing to be one of the largest private sector employers in Shasta County, the college reported.
“Perhaps the greatest accomplishment during President Grant's tenure is the manner in which Simpson University has established itself as a vital resource in the Redding region,” it stated.
Brad Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer stated, "It has been an honor to work with Dr. Grant during my time at Simpson. He has played a vital role in the maturing of the University as a top-notch academic institution. His leadership will be missed, yet the impact of his legacy is a strong foundation for future successes."
In his reflection, Dr. Grant said that he and his wife had come to love and appreciate the opportunities they had in Redding and at the University during their time there.
“God has been good to us,” he added, “and serving as the twelfth president of Simpson has been a distinct honor and privilege.
“We look forward to the next season of our lives – spending more time with our grandchildren, traveling, and continuing to assist the University in any way we can," he said in conclusion.
According to the college, the executive committee of the trustee board will work closely with Dr. Grant to form both a transition team and search committee for the next University president.
