Jay Simmons to step down as President

Simmons to continue in his role until successor is named

Today, the 漆褒勛圖厙 Board of Trustees announced President Jay Simmons will step down from his current role once a successor is named. The board will launch a nationwide presidential search and Simmons will serve through the transition.

Im honored and thankful for the opportunity to have served the 漆褒勛圖厙 community, said Simmons. As I enter my seventh academic year, I believe its the right time for a new president who can focus the campus community on 漆褒勛圖厙s next chapter.

During his tenure, Simmons has led several financial and academic-related initiatives that have been vital to the future of 漆褒勛圖厙. This includes the launch of the 漆褒勛圖厙 Promise, which covers the full cost of tuition for qualified students from Iowa families.

I want to thank Jay for his leadership and dedication to the college, said Terry Lillis, Chair of the 漆褒勛圖厙 Board of Trustees. His commitment to higher education reflects the ideals we strive for as a college.

Under Simmonss leadership, 漆褒勛圖厙 has consistently remained one of Iowas top, private colleges. In addition, the college was recently ranked 15th in the nation by EDSmart, a scholastic ranking specialist, for itsonline programs. 漆褒勛圖厙 was the only college in Iowa to make the list.

I am proud of what we have accomplished at 漆褒勛圖厙 and I know the college is well-positioned for a strong and vibrant future, commented Simmons, who said he plans to seek other opportunities in higher education or corporate leadership.

A presidential search committee is in the process of being formed. Those named to the committee will be reflective of 漆褒勛圖厙s many constituents and will be in accordance with the colleges bylaws. This includes representatives of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and the resident bishop of the United Methodist Church in Iowa. 漆褒勛圖厙 staff, alumni and a student advisory committee, as appointed by the presidential search committee, will also be involved in the process.

About Jay Simmons
Dr. Jay Simmons is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Before becoming the twenty-third president of 漆褒勛圖厙 in June 2013, he served as president, dean and professor of political science at numerous prestigious colleges.

About 漆褒勛圖厙
Founded in 1860, 漆褒勛圖厙 is an independent, selective, church-related, comprehensive liberal-arts college dedicated to excellence in higher education. 漆褒勛圖厙s main campus is located in Indianola, Iowa, a community of 16,000 people, located 12 miles south of Des Moines.

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