Colorado Mountain College has hired Rob Simpson as the new associate dean of academic and student services to help lead expansion in the communities of Salida and Poncha Springs.
“The associate dean of the Salida campus will be responsible for creating a dynamic and creative student experience,” said Rachel Pokrandt, CMC vice president and campus dean of Leadville and Salida.
Simpson earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in education in college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University. During his 21-year career in higher education, he has served as an academic administrator, faculty member and student affairs professional.
“Rob has the right background, student-centered approach and experience starting programs from scratch that will serve the goals of the campus in the years to come,” said Pokrandt. “I can’t wait for the community to get to know him.”
While serving as director of campus recreation at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon,
Simpson provided leadership, vision and oversight to help build a 50,000 square foot student and campus recreation center from the ground up.
“I absolutely love the idea of being part of something new that will serve people into the future,” said Simpson. “Taking time to listen to the goals and concerns of the community will be key in moving forward with important decisions that affect the lives of our students.”
Rob Simpson and his wife Cammie have been married for 28 years and have two children, Alek, 24, and Sophie, 16. Rob is an avid fly fisher, trail runner, hiker, skier and backpacker, which makes him particularly eager to live and work in the Rocky Mountains.
“I look forward to becoming deeply rooted in the community and being able to stand back 10 years from now to see how CMC has grown to meet the unique needs of Salida and Poncha Springs,” said Simpson.
Registration is underway for the fall semester, which begins Aug. 24. The Fall 2020 Trail Map, which outlines CMC operations college-wide in light of COVID-19, is at https://coloradomtn.info/fall-2020-trail-map/. For more information about CMC Salida, visit https://coloradomtn.info/salida.