Tenyson Fowler –
After two-and-a-half decades of dutiful service at Simpson University, and a lifetime of experience in the world of education, we are pleased to recognize and celebrate Wally on his final day in the office.
Robert (Wally) Quirk has worn many hats throughout his time at Simpson. Beginning in 1999, he taught night business classes. He continued his work at Simpson as a Professor of Business for multiple years. During that time, he was elected Faculty President for three separate terms and served as the Faculty Athletic Representative. He served as the Head of the Business Department until 2016, when he was asked to become the Chief Operating Officer. Adding to his long list of titles at Simpson, he briefly taught as an adjunct professor for the ASPIRE Degree Completion Program from 2016 to 2018, overlapping his time as COO. Wally served as COO until his retirement today.
“That’s all I did, I just came to work every day,” Wally said.
During his time as an undergraduate, he spent a semester studying Theology, before he changed his major to Psychology. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Psychology. He then went into a Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Program at Sonoma State University, which he dropped out of to pursue a Master’s degree in Management.
Prior to his time at Simpson University, Wally taught at three institutions, including Shasta College, Chapman University, and Sanoma State University.
“No matter what’s been asked of Wally during his tenure at Simpson, he has used his God-given talents to tackle them with grace, hard work, honesty, and humor. First, as a business professor – the one the students loved to listen to – Wally shared real-life stories from the business world that often awed and challenged those listening. Students voted him Faculty of the Year.
He was often the first on campus and the last to leave. It was common to see the light glowing from the windows of his corner office late into the night. Those lights, his wisdom, and unflappable faith will be missed,” Professor Molly Rupert, a long-time colleague of Robert Quirk shared.
“Those who first encounter Wally are often confronted with his blunt attitude, sharp wit, and professional mindset; usually wrapped into one short and to the point sentence. Those who really get to know Wally will find that he is warm-hearted, deeply servant-minded, and dedicated to his faith, his family, and others. He carries a quiet strength rooted in compassion, offering steady support, genuine kindness, and a willingness to put others before himself. His life is marked by integrity, humility, and a sincere desire to serve those around him,” Dr. Norm Hall, President of Simpson University states.
Since embarking on his 25-year journey at Simpson, he has been a steady face across multiple departments, personally mentoring students and encouraging them in both their academic and spiritual growth. Whether a student-athlete, faculty, or staff member, Wally has contributed to the personal and professional lives of many individuals.
