FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2008
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Florida Community College VP for Workforce Development Jim Simpson named recipient of Chair Academy International Educational Leadership Award

Jim Simpson, associate vice president for workforce development and curriculum services at Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), has been selected as the recipient of the Chair Academy’s 2009 Paul A. Elsner International Excellence in Leadership Award. Simpson was selected for the Elsner Award “for demonstrating foresight in educational leadership as well as for modeling transformational leadership qualities” in his college, the community and community colleges throughout Florida and North America, as stated by Chair Academy Executive Director Gary Filan in his award letter to Simpson.

At FCCJ, Simpson oversees one of the largest post-secondary workforce programs in the nation, including planning, curricula development and instructional delivery. He also provides leadership in an annual review to assess the effectiveness of programs and courses, redesign existing programs, de-activate those no longer relevant and implement new programs.

“Focus on what’s important,” said Simpson, who during his education career has seen 26,000 students become graduates of programs he has headed. “What’s important is the student. Keep that first in mind and it serves as grounding for your values.”

Simpson also serves as the FCCJ workforce development representative with local, state and federal agencies; negotiates and implements workforce program initiatives with independent school districts in Duval and Nassau counties; and has provided leadership and coordination in numerous continuing education training courses. Simpson’s leadership in initiatives has increased enrollment, saved millions of dollars and garnered awards for College programs.

During Simpson’s combined 28 years in education and industry he has presented at numerous conferences and published 23 articles on topics such as establishing strategic alliances, new program development, program evaluation, increasing student success and service learning.

This is Simpson’s second Chair Academy honor this year. In February, Simpson was appointed to a three-year term on the Chair Academy’s International Practitioner’s Advisory Board. Simpson completed the Chair Academy’s foundation program in 1998 and advanced leadership program in 2006.

“Jim is one of the finest leaders in the workforce area of community colleges in the nation,” said Don Green, executive vice president for instruction and student services. “He is a wonderful team player. He works hard to provide opportunities for his staff to develop their talents and skills. He is a role model in reference to accountability, and using data instead of tradition to make decisions.”

Simpson will receive recognition at the Chair Academy’s International Leadership Conference for Post-secondary Leaders Worldwide, March 2-5 in Nashville. The Chair Academy provides leadership training to post-secondary leaders throughout the world through its Leadership Academy Programs.

Simpson earned both his bachelor’s degree and his masters in business administration degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.