President Sue Stuebner has found her place at Simpson College in her first year full of navigating obstacles. Through her perseverance in entering the interim position after President Byers’ passing, learning Simpson traditions and connecting with students, she has worked to continue Simpson’s legacy and spirit.  

Stuebner entered the position in July as the interim president. She was unsure if she would be able to continue at Simpson, but was hopeful of making the full transition to be the official president.  

“I feel so privileged to be here and part of the community again. It just feels like a good fit for me and hopefully it feels like a good fit for the community so we can grow some roots to keep doing good work,” she said. 

From the start, she recognized Simpon’s magic and was eager to be a part of it. Now that the academic year is coming to an end, she’s reflected on her first year here.  

Chelsea Grenier, the Assistant to the president and the director of community relations, felt her potential as soon as she met her for the interview. 

“My spidey senses were going off, and I could tell she could be our person,” Grenier said.  

Grenier and the rest of the trustees knew Stuebner had the necessary experience through her prior time as a president at Colby Sawyer College and the necessary drive to step up in a time of desperate need. She’s remained genuine and grounded, but excited as she witnesses how Simpson functions. 

When talking about Stuebner’s entrance into the office, Grenier described her approach as gentle, compassionate and considerate. 

“She has been the right person at the right time on campus,” Grenier said.  

Before anything, Stuebner made it a priority to connect with others and provide support to the community.  

“Grief is hard. It comes in a lot of different ways and encouraging people to take care of themselves and trying to participate as best I can,” Stuebner said.  

Not only was Stuebner focused on the feelings of others around her, but she also filled the administrative role.  

Throughout the year, she has demonstrated her ability to successfully fulfill the administrative role by completing tasks such as hiring the new athletic director, Jason Mulligan, or following up on Pfeiffer renovations, allowing the project to remain on track.  

“One of the biggest successes is that it didn’t really stop us. We wanted to make sure we were here for the students and that nothing changes. We wanted them to finish out the way they started,” Grenier said when describing the years’ successes. 

Stuebner has been described as having a wonderful demeanor when she works with students, faculty, alumni and even the Indianola community. 

Stuebner described this constant communication as one of the privileges of her position.  

“I get to hear a lot of stories and hopefully share them with other folks. The sense of community here is so strong, so trying to figure out ways to share that with others,” she said. 

Jack Campbell, a junior and student body president, has worked closely with Stuebner throughout the year and acknowledged her ability to make everyone feel heard. 

“She understands the legacy, that it’s all about the students,” he said.  

Campbell preached that the president worked closely with the Student Government Association and encouraged students to come to her office or email her; she wanted students to know that the administration cares about their voices.  

In the coming years, Stuebner has plans to elevate Simpson’s campus. One of her goals involves tackling the renovation of residence halls.  

“How do we continue to chip away at an old campus and make it feel more like home and fresher to folks?” Stuebner posed.  

Her ability to listen, combined with her follow-through on initiatives, makes her someone Simpson faculty and students are happy to rely on. 

“I don’t know how we got her, but I’m grateful that we did because it truly has been a blessing to have someone like her come into the role, especially after losing Jay,” Grenier said. 

In the year following a heartbreaking loss, Stuebner’s motivation to adopt Simpson spirit and delve into the community has brought a new sense of growth.