CHARLOTTE––Davidson College’s Dr. Denise Simpson has been appointed to a new post at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Possessed of some 20 years of relevant experience and formerly Davidson’s associate dean of students, Simpson will be UNCC’s associate vice chancellor for student affairs, effective July 29. At UNCC, it will be her job to provide visionary, strategic and operational leadership within the division of student affairs and the university to ensure students have access to the necessary resources and support to succeed academically and personally. The position supervises two departments: student assistance and support services and student accountability and conflict resolution, and it co-ordinates the division’s response to major crises and other events affecting students within the university community.

UNCC Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Kevin Bailey extolled Simpson.

“Dean Simpson’s unique blend of experiences makes her the right candidate at the right time to help lead the division,” Bailey said recently. “We are impressed by her track record and passion for student advocacy, and we know she will be a tireless supporter for our students and their success.”

Simpson herself said she’s happy to be aboard.

“As a first-generation college student, I had a tremendous fear of what the college experience would be like and how I would fit in,” Simpson said. “Having staff and faculty recognize both my struggles and potential gave me a voice, built my confidence and helped me find my way. They modelled the guidance, support and advocacy I now strive to emulate as a student affairs professional. I’m honored by and excited to join the ’Niner Nation, and I hope to inspire for others what has been cultivated in me.”

She began her professional career as hall director at Luther College before serving in several inaugural roles at Old Dominion University, the University of Kentucky and Duke Kunshan University in Kunshan, located in the Jiangsu Province of China. She served as dean of students at the Charlotte campus of Johnson & Wales University, 2016-2018, while holding an adjunct teaching position in the honors college at UNCC. Simpson earned her Ph.D. in higher education at Old Dominion; holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas; and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication from DePaul.