Simpson Named Associate Director of Sponsored Research

Joining the campus community on January 31, Simpson's main responsibilities include securing grants from external sources for faculty and other institutional entities.

"The work I do will help faculty to achieve their professional goals, which in turn enriches the lives of our students and strengthens the institution as a whole," said Simpson. "My immediate goal is to meet as many faculty members as possible and to get a feel for the needs, in terms of grant funding, that are out there."

Simpson comes to Plattsburgh from SUNY Canton where he served as grants coordinator for two years. While at Canton, he authored a successful one million dollar grant as part of a biogas cogeneration project. He also managed numerous federal, state and private foundation grants for the institution.

Prior to Canton, Simpson was a grant administrator for Education and Training Connection in Midland, Mich., where he wrote adult education grants totaling more than $1.6 million and helped raise $2.25 million towards building expansion.

"We're delighted to have him on board," said Dr. Susan Spissinger, associate vice president of academic affairs and research. "He is very competent and capable. During his stay at Canton, he helped increase sponsored research grant revenues by 29 percent. Mike's focus at Plattsburgh will be primarily pre-award activities - identifying sponsors, working on proposal development and submission. He will meet with faculty to find out their interests and then seek and secure external support for research, education or public services ideas and programs."

Simpson said that he is excited about working closely with the faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh.

"I'm anxious to hear what people's ideas, dreams and needs are," said Simpson, who grew up in Rochester, N.Y. "This is a step up from Canton. Faculty are much more engaged in research, and there's a lot of growth potential here. Plattsburgh is better off than most SUNY schools in terms of support for the faculty. This campus has an energy to it."

Simpson moved here with his wife, Stefani. When not searching out grants, Simpson takes to the skies since receiving his pilot's license last year.

"My family is originally from the North Country," said Simpson. "I like being closer to the mountains. This is a beautiful area. I have also found the campus very upbeat and positive. It is a friendly place to work."
 
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