Welcome to the new vice president for University Advancement – R. Todd Simpson, who had been serving as chief executive officer of the Peru State College Foundation. Simpson will begin his duties as vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation Sept. 16.
“We are excited to have Todd Simpson join Missouri Western as we work together to assist students, create pathway
s to current and future careers, and elevate our community,” President Matt Wilson said. “Todd has extensive experience in working with stakeholders, industry and the community to facilitate opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students.”
Simpson will oversee the areas of 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 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 topp
ed $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 the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, Inc., and director of member services for Phi Sigma Kappa International Fraternity.
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.