FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REDDING, Calif. — The Simpson University Board of Trustees has approved the renewal of President Dr. Norman Hall’s contract for an additional seven years, extending his leadership through 2033 and reinforcing the university’s commitment to continued growth, stability, and mission-driven progress.
Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Dr. Hall has guided Simpson University through a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the university has experienced substantial enrollment growth, expanded academic offerings, strengthened its financial foundation, and deepened its impact across the North State.
“In the past eight years, President Hall has been the catalyst and fuel for a succession of plans that have taken Simpson from instability to an optimistic future,” said a member of the Simpson University Board of Trustees. “The new contract represents ongoing dedication to the ‘Simpson Rising’ strategy and an enthusiasm for continued progress. The seven-year commitment is an assertion about our future with President Hall, a future of further stability and growth, the development of programs essential to the success of our students and the North State, and a reinforcement of Simpson’s values and mission.”
Simpson’s recent enrollment momentum reflects that progress. The university has grown by more than 45% since 2018, with new student enrollment increasing by more than 70% during that same period. In the past year alone, Simpson welcomed one of its largest incoming classes in more than 15 years, helping push total enrollment back above 1,000 students.
The university has also continued to expand and invest in strategic initiatives designed to serve both students and the broader North State community. Recent years have included the development of a new STEM building, continued expansion of high-demand academic programs, and major investments in athletics and student life.
Under Dr. Hall’s leadership, Simpson Athletics has experienced significant growth, including the successful launch of football and the addition and expansion of multiple athletic programs. The university has also seen increasing success in competition, highlighted by multiple conference championships and growing student engagement around athletics.
Simpson has also earned statewide recognition for the strength of its nursing program. Recently, NursingProcess.org recognized Simpson University as the top-ranked private nursing school in California and one of the Top 10 nursing programs overall in the state. Nursing Explorer also ranked Simpson’s nursing program No. 3 in California. During Dr. Hall’s tenure, the nursing program has nearly doubled in size and is now graduating approximately 90 nurses annually to help meet critical healthcare workforce needs across the North State and beyond.
As a Christ-centered, faith-based university, Simpson has continued to emphasize both academic excellence and spiritual development, preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose in their communities and professions.
In addition to academic and athletic growth, Dr. Hall has prioritized increasing access and affordability, including the expansion of the North State Promise, which provides significant tuition support for local students and reinforces Simpson’s role as the Hometown University.
“I am honored and grateful for the continued trust of the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Hall. “Simpson University is on a strong upward trajectory, and I remain deeply committed to serving our students, our community, and our mission. The future is bright, and I’m excited about the work ahead as we continue to expand opportunities, strengthen our impact in the North State, and prepare students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.”
The contract renewal reflects the Board of Trustees’ confidence in Dr. Hall’s leadership and a shared commitment to advancing the university’s “Simpson Rising” strategy focused on enrollment growth, academic innovation, student success, and community impact.
With this renewed commitment, the university is well positioned to continue its upward trajectory, further solidifying its role as a vital educational and economic contributor to the region.
