R. Todd Simpson
Aug. 21, 2019—R. Todd Simpson, currently chief executive officer of the Peru State College Foundation, has been hired by Missouri Western State University as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation. The Board of Governors approved the recommendation of Matt Wilson, Missouri Western’s president, in a telephone poll Aug. 13. Simpson will begin his duties Sept. 16.
“We are excited to have Todd Simpson join Missouri Western as we work together to assist students, create pathways to current and future careers, and elevate our community,” President Wilson said. “Todd has extensive experience in working with stakeholders, industry and the community to facilitate opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students. As we build a new team here at Missouri Western, Todd and his wife Michelle will be pillars of strength for our University and community.”
Simpson will oversee advancement activities of Missouri Western, including development, alumni relations, public relations and marketing, and campus printing and design services. He will serve as a member of President Wilson’s cabinet and as executive director of the MWSU Foundation, the not-for-profit charitable organization that raises private support for Missouri Western’s mission.
“Michelle and I are excited with the challenge and opportunity at Missouri Western,” Simpson said. “It is a special place, and I look forward to finding more ways that the campus and community can work together to support its vital mission as an open-access university.”
Simpson has served as CEO of Peru State’s foundation since 2010, and ushered in a new era of foundation support and alumni engagement. Annual giving doubled under Simpson’s leadership and identified estate gifts topped $20 million. In addition, Simpson guided the Foundation through three capital campaigns to help fund the Oak Bowl Football Stadium renovation, the new Campus Entrance project and the renovation of the College’s Performing Arts Center.
Prior to his work at Peru State, Simpson was a consultant, director of development for the Omaha Home for Boys, director of client services for Target Development, director of development for COTA, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, Inc., and director of member services for Phi Sigma Kappa International Fraternity.
Simpson served on the National Board of Directors for Phi Sigma Kappa from 1997 to 2011, including four years as national president, and was chancellor of the fraternity from 2011 to 2015. He has also served in leadership positions for the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.
Simpson has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive since 1998. He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Peru State College, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri and certificates from Peru State, College of William & Mary National Planned Giving Institute, University of Wisconsin Learner Resource Center, University of Nebraska Omaha and the Grantmanship Center.
Simpson succeeds Jerry Pickman ’85, who left Missouri Western in July to accept a position at Mosaic Life Care.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.