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The 14th president of Simpson University was inaugurated Oct. 16 in a ceremony marked by exhortations, prayer, remembrances, and challenges for the future. Continue reading
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Oct 29, 2015 /prREACH/ -- REDDING, Calif. - The 14th president of Simpson University was inaugurated Oct. 16 in a ceremony marked by exhortations, prayer, remembrances, and challenges for the future. Dr. Robin Keith Dummer, 61, who graduated from then-Simpson College in 1976 and has served for more than two decades as a Simpson professor and administrator, shared a forward-looking vision for the university while reinforcing its commitment to remain a “Gateway to World Service.”
Several hundred people, including delegates from colleges nationwide, representatives from the Christian and Missionary Alliance, trustees, alumni, students, community members and leaders, faculty, staff and other Simpson supporters, attended the 2 p.m. ceremony inside the Heritage Student Life Center. Dr. Stanley Clark, who served as Simpson’s provost from 2005 to 2012, gave the address, titled “The University Mission and the Kingdom of God.”
Dr. Betty Dean, chair of the board of trustees, offered a charge; and Dr. James Grant, who served as president from 1993 to 2006 and is now chancellor, offered a challenge to Dumer, calling him "a testimony of humility and strength on this campus”.
President Dummer acknowledged the work of the four presidents and others who led the college during his time as a student, professor and associate provost. He noted a common theme throughout Simpson’s 94-year history: “There were difficult times that required faith and determination, and God provided.”
He gave an overview of the college’s history: Simpson Bible Institute was founded on 3 acres in Seattle in 1921 and averaged 94 students in its 34 years there. It became a regional school and moved to a 5-acre campus in San Francisco in 1955, where it averaged 277 students over the next 34 years and offered courses at 17 extension sites. Simpson College moved to Redding in 1989, to an 85-plus-acre campus, where in 26 years, it has averaged 1,050 students each fall. It became Simpson University in 2004 and has offered courses in Korea and other California locations.
President Dummer confirmed that the one commitment that has always remained is that Simpson is a ‘Gateway to World Service,’ where they indeed remain mission firm. Meanwhile avenues of service have broadened. Simpson University’s responsibilities are twofold, he said. “First, to see that (Simpson) delivers the best education… to prepare (its) students for… meaningful work and service.”
He commended the “great things” taking place in areas of program growth and expansion under the direction of Provost Gayle Copeland, including the additions of programs in political science and biotechnology next fall. A second responsibility is “to expand a commitment to serve the increasingly diverse educational needs of the local and regional community.” He pledged to work with business and community leaders to better identify and meet these needs.
During the ceremony, greetings were offered by Redding Mayor Francie Sullivan; Ray Van Gilst, superintendent of the Central Pacific District of the C&MA; faculty president Larry Haight; staff council president Kari Meyers; and student body president Derek Ross. Dr. Francis Grubbs, who served as president from 1987-1992, led a prayer of dedication after board members Ray Reid and Norman Reinhardt presented President Dummer with a medallion.
The Simpson University Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Cyril Myers and accompanied by Lois Nichols, sang “God of Grace and God of Glory” and “How Great Thou Art.” An outdoor reception followed the ceremony.
View a recording of the inauguration ceremony and a slideshow of photos at simpsonu.edu/inauguration.
### Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Building in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. Simpson is expanding its Northern California presence with a regional center opening in Woodland, Calif., in January 2016. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu. Contact: SU Public Relations [email protected] 530-226-4737
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