After serving as Simpson College’s interim academic dean and senior vice president of academic affairs since August 2024, CoryAnne Harrigan will become the chief academic officer on June 1, 2026. 

The decision to appoint Harrigan came after a 360-review of her performance in the interim role, during which President Sue Stuebner, cabinet peers, trustees, associate deans, students, staff, faculty department chairs and faculty council members were interviewed. 

“Every constituency involved voiced strong support of Cory’s performance as interim and her readiness to step into the difficult role,” President Stuebner stated in the email announcing the decision. “A few characteristics highlighted include her leadership skills and proven ability to make difficult decisions, her institutional knowledge and ‘fit,’ her consultative, confident approach and her ability to act on key initiatives.” 

Harrigan is excited to serve in this position and get the ball rolling on future projects that put Simpson students first.

“I’m honored by this appointment and excited to continue working in the dean’s office for the long term,” Harrigan said via email. “I look forward to collaborating with President Stuebner and the rest of cabinet on projects that will promote academics, particularly initiatives that showcase student achievements.”

One of the students interviewed as part of Harrigan’s performance review was Junior Class President Ava Carnes. Carnes is pleased about Harrigan’s appointment and cannot wait to see how Simpson grows under her leadership and dedicated involvement in the campus’s culture.

“Cory is one of the most caring and genuine individuals I have met on Simpson’s staff,” she said. “Her diligence in her interim role has been clear, and her ability to work with both professors and students alike is a skill that not many are able to master in the way that she has.” 

Student Body Vice President Aidan Jones was another student on the performance review panel, who offered insight about Harrigan’s impact on campus.

“Dean Harrigan is an inspiring leader whose deep knowledge of Simpson and genuine drive to improve the institution make her a pleasure to work with as academic dean,” Jones said. “Having served on her review panel, I can say firsthand there is no one I would rather see in that role, and I am excited to continue to work alongside her this upcoming semester.”

Harrigan joined Simpson College in 2001 as an English faculty member, received tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2007 before becoming a full professor in 2013. Additionally, she received the Exemplary Teaching Award in 2016, the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award in 2014 and the Faculty Leadership Award in 2011. 

The college is looking forward to having Harrigan serving as chief academic officer due to her outstanding leadership. 

“We are very fortunate to have Cory’s significant abilities and deep commitment to the College,” President Stuebner said via email.

Harrigan cannot wait to continue serving the Simpson community in her now full role as academic dean and vice president of academic affairs.