President’s Cabinet
Role of President’s Cabinet at Simpson University
University administrators oversee student activities, university professors and programs. The cabinet makes decisions about the direction of the institution as a whole. Cabinet reviews and approves new policies, prepares the operational budget of the institution, reviews and approves new program development (both curricular and co-curricular), determines price increases, and is a conduit through which information can flow to and from each area of the campus.
President
Dr. Norman D. Hall
Dr. Hall became Simpson University’s 15th president in June 2018. Prior to coming to Simpson, Dr. Hall served as the Vice President for International and Alumni Affairs & Major Gift Officer at Greenville University (Ill.). He also was Vice President & Dean of Student Development at Greenville University. He served at Azusa Pacific University (Calif.); Ashland University (Ohio); University of California, Santa Barbara; and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Dr. Hall received his doctorate in educational administration from Pepperdine University (Calif.), a master of science in education from Southern Illinois University, and bachelor’s degrees in biology and sociology from Greenville University.
Dr. Hall and his wife, Alison, who is from Northern Ireland, have three adult children.
Provost
Dr. Michael Salmeier
Dr. Michael Salmeier joins Simpson University in 2026 after nearly 20 years in Christian higher education, most recently serving as Provost at Bluefield University. His experience includes roles at Life Pacific University and Asbury Theological Seminary, as well as teaching at several institutions nationwide and internationally.
Dr. Salmeier holds degrees from the University of Idaho, Life Pacific University, Talbot School of Theology, and a PhD in Theology from the University of Oxford. He and his wife, Jonelle, have two children, Ariana and Alexander, and are excited to join the Simpson community as Red Hawks rise.
Chief Operating Officer / Chief of Staff
Brent W. Thompson, Esq.
Brent W. Thompson, Esq. became Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at Simpson University in October 2025, overseeing key operational areas including Human Resources, Enrollment and Marketing, Financial Aid, Facilities, IT, and Auxiliary Services. Prior to joining Simpson, he practiced environmental and regulatory law in Sacramento, advising clients ranging from small businesses to major corporations on enforcement defense and complex property transactions.
Before entering private practice, Brent retired from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he served in senior legal and strategic roles, including as a trial counsel and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting federal felonies. A combat veteran of two tours in Afghanistan and a Bronze Star recipient, he holds a Juris Doctor from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law and multiple advanced degrees in public administration, law, and strategic studies. He lives near Red Bluff with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters.
Vice President of Student Development
Brian Dawson
Dr. Brian Dawson and his wife, Michelle, are excited to join the Simpson University community as the Vice President of Student Development starting in May 2024. Brian and Michelle have been married for 30 years and their passion has been discipling college students in both public and Christian universities. Prior to coming to Simpson, Dr. Dawson founded Semester by the Sea, served as AVP and Dean of Students at Hardin-Simmons University, Associate Dean of Students at Pepperdine University, in student life at California State Universities, and full-time ministry with Alpha Gamma Omega.
As native Northern Californians, the Dawsons are thrilled to be coming back home. “College students thrive when they belong to an active college community who love them and provide opportunities to serve, worship, learn and play together,” said Dawson. “We are praying for Simpson students to grow in their walk with Jesus Christ and find belonging in a welcoming campus community.
Executive Dean of A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary and Accreditation Liaison Officer
Patrick Blewett
Dr. Blewett joined Simpson University in 2013 as dean of A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary and has also served as interim provost. He is an ordained minister recognized and accredited within the Christian & Missionary Alliance. His background includes over 20 years of Christian higher education and pastoral experience. Pat is a graduate of Montana Institute of the Bible (B.A. in Biblical Studies), Western Seminary of Portland (M.A. in Church Education, M.Div. in general ministry, and D.Min. in Pastoral Care). He also holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Idaho. He has multiple certifications and other training. Within higher education settings, he has served as a chief academic officer and as an undergraduate dean. He has also taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has extensive experience with various accreditation bodies and serves on one to two accreditation site teams each year.
Pat and his wife, Jana, have three adult children and three grandchildren.
Dean of People, Culture, Mission, and Financial Aid
Shondra Dickson
Shondra Dickson joined Simpson University in 2019 as the Director of Financial Aid. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education, working in both public and private institutions. With her specialized focus on first-generation students, traditionally underrepresented students, and students with disabilities, Shondra is committed to eliminating barriers that can critically impact a student’s decision to attend college or ability to succeed. In addition to Director of Financial Aid, Shondra was appointed Associate Dean of Diversity by President Hall in 2022. She is responsible for creating strategies to successfully recruit, develop, and retain diverse faculty, staff, and students.
Shondra earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Fort Valley State University and her master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
Athletic Director
Rob Harley
Rob joined Simpson University in January 2023 as Director of Athletics, bringing nearly three decades of experience coaching and mentoring student-athletes. Committed to building champions for Christ, he oversees 20+ intercollegiate athletic teams and is dedicated to the growth and development of the athletic program.
Rob received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minoring in physical education, and his Masters in Education Counseling at the University of Redlands in Southern California. Rob has has passionately coached student-athletes on and off the field and served in the athletic departments of the University of Redlands, Azusa Pacific University, Eastern Oregon University, Greenville University and Evangel University.
Raised in the Bay area as a California native, Rob and his wife Janice have returned and now reside in Redding. They have two children, Annie and Tommy.
Faculty President
Dr. Ryan Brasher
Before joining Simpson University in 2021, Ryan Brasher taught at Forman Christian College in Pakistan for 7 years, lived in Indiana, Afghanistan, South Carolina, Sweden, Finland, and Chicago, and was born and grew up in Germany.
He loves interacting with students and learning from their experiences, both in larger introductory classes and in smaller seminars with all Political Science majors. His research focuses on a number of issues across Central and South Asia: ethnic identity in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, how Political Islam has shaped the region, how Pakistani Christians think about their national identity, domestic factors shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy, as well as the plight of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Dean of Advancement
Ken White
Ken’s career has spanned the fields of legislative and government service, investment and financial management, as well as marketing, communications, and non-profit fundraising and administration. As Dean of Advancement, Ken oversees donor, foundation, church and alumni relations. He is a 1993 graduate of CSU, Sacramento. He and his wife Stephanie have two adult children and reside in Redding with their two foster-daughters.
