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The University of Washington unveiled a groundbreaking donation that reinforces the significance and vibrancy of the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. It honors the legacy of former Dean John Simpson, his deceased spouse Katherine, and the Simpson family by establishing a namesake deanship for the College of Arts & Sciences.

The Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Deanship in the College of Arts & Sciences offers adaptable funding to enhance interdisciplinary education and research throughout the College. These vital assets will empower both current and forthcoming leadership to operate with immediacy, undertake calculated challenges, and inspire with vision.

“This kind contribution from the Simpson family arrives at a crucial time for the University of Washington and the College of Arts & Sciences,” remarked UW President Robert J. Jones. “The deanship will broaden avenues for collaboration across various fields, foster innovation and exploration, and cultivate thoughtful, creative leaders prepared to make a difference in the world.”

“We are deeply appreciative to the Simpson family for endorsing an institution to which they have dedicated so much of their lives — John, who was part of the faculty and headed the College as dean from 1994 to 1998, and Katherine, a Husky graduate and professional staff member, who devoted countless hours to advancing arts education and leadership,” mentioned Dianne Harris, current dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “This generous contribution solidifies the Simpson family’s bond with the UW and builds on prior gifts from the Simpson family to establish and support the UW’s Walter Chapin Simpson Center for the Humanities. At a pivotal moment in higher education, this donation allows the College to carry on the significant work we are doing across campus, throughout the state, and around the globe.”

The connection of the Simpson family to higher education, the arts, and the UW spans four generations.

John Simpson’s grandparents, Walter and Jessie Simpson, were both university alumni who valued the significance of a humanistic education and instilled those principles in their son, Barclay. It was Barclay who expanded the family business, the Simpson Screen Company, which continues to operate as Simpson Strong-Tie. The Simpson family has long championed the influence of philanthropy and have generously supported the University of Washington.

Barclay Simpson’s son, John, was part of the psychology faculty at the UW for over twenty years and held the position of dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. John’s offspring possess advanced degrees from the UW, and his granddaughter is presently an undergraduate at UW majoring in the humanities.

After departing from the UW, John Simpson pursued his academic career as executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of California, Santa Cruz (1998-2003) and as president of the University of Buffalo (2004-2011). Katherine accompanied him during the Buffalo chapter as the university’s “first lady.”

“This deanship embodies the principles and ambitions that shaped my career – values that the Simpson family has long upheld,” stated John Simpson. “It is my sincere aspiration that this donation fosters a dynamic College community where disciplines do not remain isolated but instead enlighten and motivate one another. I envision a College and UW that encourages both students and faculty to collaborate across boundaries, integrating art and science into their endeavors, and to confront future challenges with adaptability and energy.”

“The Simpson deanship will spark new routes at the UW as the arts are intricately woven into the sciences and vice versa, equipping upcoming generations of scholars, creators, and leaders to contribute to the common good,” expressed Harris. “The UW College of Arts & Sciences already provides nationally recognized programs in numerous fields. This gift will position the College as a benchmark for contemporary, interdisciplinary education, research, and artistic practice.”

The College of Arts & Sciences is the most extensive college at the UW, educating nearly 90% of UW students and offering over 4,000 courses every year. The College is essential to the vibrancy of the entire university, as all other schools and colleges depend on Arts & Sciences for the foundational education of their students. Discover more about the College of Arts & Sciences.

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For additional details, please contact Lance Kissler at [email protected].

 

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