Simpson named among “Wisconsin’s Most Influential”

Dr. Colleen Simpson, vice president for Student Services, was named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison 365 (a Madison-based online magazine that focuses on communities of color). 

The honor recognizes Simpson’s longtime passion to find ways to help students enter college, persist and achieve their goals.

“My vision is to eliminate the barriers that affect student success,” she said. “I want to always look at the whole package when students apply to college. We have to make sure that the student actually makes it from enrollment to graduation, eliminating barriers and evaluating our customer service approach.”

Part of her mission involves outreach. Simpson has presented at local and national conferences focusing on student success, retention, enrollment management and academic advisement.

She earned her doctorate in educational leadership, administration and policy from Fordham University. Simpson earned a master’s in higher education administration and a bachelor’s of business administration in international marketing from Baruch College. 

Simpson came to NWTC in 2017 from City University of New York, where she had worked for more than 20 years.