Shane Cox, a 2005 Simpson College graduate and current accounting professor, believes Simpson College is losing its identity. After serving in the Navy from 1996 to 2000, he decided to attend college. Simpson was, and still is, highly regarded for its academics and liberal arts background, which is why Cox chose the school.
In the mid-90s, Simpson was viewed as a premier academic institution. Although he spent his life in the world of business, Cox believes that acquiring a background in subjects such as history, art, religion and English are essential for every college educated individual. In fact, his favorite authors, artist and musician are Jack Kerouac, James Douglas Morrison, Jackson Pollock and Beethoven, respectively.
Cox stresses this belief to all of his students and encourages them to try different disciplines.
“If you are a business major, add a minor in humanities or liberal arts. Vice versa, if you’re a history major or liberal arts, maybe consider minoring in business management. I think having a background in art can help you in the future,” Cox said.
He also mentioned how being educated in all subjects is necessary for today’s educational climate.
“It’s more critical than ever with AI and with the direction of current events that students explore the liberal arts,” Cox said.
Cox said there was a discussion amongst faculty at the start of the year about whether Simpson has an identity. Some believe the focus is too heavily on sports and the focus should also be on education.
2023 Simpson graduate and Center for Academic Resources support coordinator, Paul Hyatt, said the identity of Simpson is dependent on each student’s story.
“All students have different identities; they have different experiences as a student. The majority of students we choose to recruit are athletes, making Simpson a very athletic college, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a liberal arts college as well,” Hyatt said.
Cox shares that, “If you are a business major, add a minor in humanities or liberal arts. Vice versa, if you’re a history major or liberal art, maybe consider minoring in business management. I think having a background in art can help you in the future.”
Simpson’s liberal arts and academic focus remains a treasure to Indianola, Iowa, and beyond.
