New Provost Named

Carol Simpson, formerly vice president and provost at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., became Old Dominion’s provost and vice president for academic affairs on Jan. 7. Her appointment was announced by President Roseann Runte, who said Simpson has a remarkable record as an administrator, researcher and teacher.

Simpson was selected following a nationwide search, according to John R. Broderick, vice president for institutional advancement and chief of staff, who chaired the search committee. He said the committee reviewed more than 85 applications.

“Carol Simpson understands firsthand the balance it takes to be a superb faculty member and researcher,’’ Runte noted. “She brings significant experience to ODU not only from her work in higher education, but also from her involvement as a program director for the National Science Foundation.”

Simpson comes to ODU with more than 15 years’ administrative experience. She held her latest position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute since 2005, and served as associate provost for research and graduate education at Boston University from 1999 to 2005. She also has more than four years’ experience as a program officer with the National Science Foundation, overseeing a $7 million budget.

As a faculty member, Simpson served as professor and chair of the earth sciences department at Boston University, associate professor at both Johns Hopkins University and Virginia Tech, and visiting assistant professor at Oklahoma State and Brown University.

An expert in structural geology and tectonics, she has authored more than 50 refereed publications and 80 professional conference papers. Simpson’s honors include a Best Paper Award from the Geological Society of America (GSA), selection as a member of the AURA U.S. National Solar Observatory oversight panel, and election as a fellow and councilor of the GSA.

She received a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Wales, a master’s in geology from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa and a doctorate in structural geology from ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

Simpson succeeds Thomas L. Isenhour, who served as provost for the past five years.