Provost Lancaster announces new Health Professions dean

Following a national search, Paula Lancaster, Central Michigan University’s provost and executive vice president, has named Jennifer Simpson to lead The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions. Simpson will assume this new role on August 1, 2025. Simpson succeeds Greg Zimmerman, who has served as interim dean since July 1, 2024.

Simpson currently serves as the interim head of the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University, where she also serves as a clinical professor. Over her 23 years at Purdue University, Simpson has held many leadership roles, including the director of clinical education in audiology, director of the audiology clinic, Provost Fellow for Clinical/Professional Faculty, and associate head of the department of speech, language, and hearing sciences.

Simpson has received numerous career awards and honors, including Purdue University’s Butler Center Leadership in Action award for exemplary leadership, induction into Purdue University’s Book of Great Teachers and the University Teaching Academy, the Helen B. Schleman Award, which recognizes faculty members who exemplify leadership, scholarship and service, and a Focus Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to further Purdue University’s commitment to disability, accessibility and diversity. Simpson is a Distinguished Fellow of Practice by the National Academies of Practice-Audiology and a Fellow in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Currently, she is serving the last year in her presidential term of the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD), a professional organization that supports over 350 speech, language and hearing sciences departments across the nation. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer Simpson as the next dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions,” Lancaster said. “She brings a wealth of leadership and professional experience to the position including significant work building partnerships in communities and across the industry. Her strong commitment to student success and ensuring that CMU is THE choice for preparation in health professions was evident throughout her time with us.” 

Simpson earned a Doctor of Audiology from the University of Florida; a master’s degree in audiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder; and a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Western Washington University. Over her career, Simpson has worked to create environments that support and integrate clinical practice and research and has dedicated herself to engaging in clinical work with audiology patients while teaching students evidence-based practice. Simpson has also been a co-investigator on NIH-funded projects, contributing her clinical expertise to translational research centered around improving the understanding of hearing and hearing loss. 

In the new role as dean, Simpson will lead the college’s faculty and staff, spanning five academic departments and four service centers. Simpson will provide oversight for all operations of the college, including leadership in research, undergraduate and graduate education, and program development. She also will serve as a member of the Provost’s Advisory Council, Academic Senate, and Academic Planning Council, among other working groups and committees.

In alignment with the university’s strategic priorities and goals, and in collaboration with academic and administrative leaders, Simpson will steward the university’s vision for health professions, advance innovative research and teaching, and foster an enriching experience for all students. 

“Assuming the role of Dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University is a tremendous honor,” Simpson said. “I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty, staff, and students to strengthen our commitment to excellence in healthcare education, research, and service, all while preparing the next generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our communities.”

Provost Lancaster would like to express her gratitude to members of the search committee, co-chairs Dr. Kikano and Dr. Shingles, and all who contributed to a successful search.