Grit is a quality that combines passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It means being able to keep going despite challenges, setbacks, and difficult times. People with grit see life as a marathon, using stamina to reach the finish line.
Dr. Norman D. Hall is the President of Simpson University located in Redding, CA, and exemplifies this quality in his efforts to improve the university while staying true to its mission. In his seventh year as president, Dr. Hall brings years of experience and a strong commitment to resilient leadership. He balances vision with discipline and works hard to overcome challenges that need the determination that grit provides. Simpson University’s growth during his tenure is proof of Dr. Hall’s steel fabric and indomitable spirit.
A Journey of Service and Leadership
Dr. Hall has built a strong career in leadership at various academic institutions. He started in 1987, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology from Greenville University. In 1989, he completed a Master of Science in Education at Southern Illinois University, and in 2003, he earned a Doctorate of Education in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University.
His first major step occurred at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he worked as a graduate hall director, managing 920 students in a 17-story residence hall. This experience taught him important skills in crisis management, leadership, and student engagement. A key moment in his career happened when he responded to a crisis involving a student who attempted suicide. Holding that young woman, he felt a strong desire to create a better environment for young people to develop.
Next, Dr. Hall moved to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he worked as a full-time hall director and trained as a rape prevention educator.
He later became the Director of Residence Life at Ashland University and Azusa Pacific University before returning to Greenville University. There, he served as Vice President for Student Development and then Vice President for Internationalization, Alumni Affairs, and Church Relations. During this time, Dr. Hall directed the WALKABOUT, a 10-day wilderness program complete with a 2-day “solo” that helped students grow in their faith and character while building leadership skills through wilderness exploration in some of our nation’s most pristine and remote forests.
Simpson University’s Legacy and Transformation
Simpson University began in 1921 in Seattle as the Simpson Bible Institute. Dr. A.B. Simpson founded it to help students grow spiritually and prepare missionaries for service, especially in the Pacific Rim region. The school expanded and moved to San Francisco in 1955 and received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 1969. In 2004, it changed its name to Simpson University and relocated to Redding, California, aiming to develop students in mind, faith, and character.
Today, Simpson University offers various programs, including 18 undergraduate degrees, 4 adult studies degrees, 6 graduate programs, and 3 graduate certificates. These programs fall under four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing, the School of Adult and Graduate Professional Studies, and the A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Dr. Hall leads the university, which stays focused on its mission while adapting to the needs of the 21st century.
Additionally, Simpson University has expanded its curriculum to include high-demand fields such as Digital Media, Engineering, and Kinesiology. The university also has a strong athletics program, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the California Pacific Conference. It offers 20 intercollegiate sports and has nearly 405 student-athletes.
Numbers That Reflect Vision and Determination
Simpson University’s recent growth reflects Dr. Hall’s efforts and strategic planning. Over the past six years, the university has experienced a 25% increase in both traditional and graduate/professional programs. Notably, Simpson’s nursing program, which was recognized as the top-ranked program in California three years ago, boasts a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX among its last three cohorts. These achievements have earned Simpson a spot on the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges list.
Strategic Planning for the Future
As President, Dr. Hall employs a structured approach to strategic planning called the Strategic Plan Action Framework. Each pillar of this framework—Assessment, Faith Formation, Innovation and Fiscal Viability, and Fundraising—supports Simpson’s growth while enhancing both academic and operational quality. To achieve these goals, Dr. Hall’s team utilizes detailed rubrics that link each strategic action step to an annual modified zero-based budget process and are tied to specific measurable outcomes.
A comprehensive market study of Simpson University’s region in Shasta County and surrounding counties has led to the launch of new programs that address both student interests and industry demands. New offerings in Digital Media, Engineering, Kinesiology, Sports Management, and Computer Information Systems have been added to the curriculum.
Additionally, investing in co-curricular activities, specifically in Athletics such as women’s wrestling, men’s volleyball, and bass fishing, enriches campus life, providing students with diverse opportunities. In 2022, Simpson University announced it would be launching football as its newest sport and has been received with and is the only NAIA Football program in California. The university’s Bass Fishing team has been a leading force in the sport, ranking #1 in the West for five consecutive years. Simpson University Athletics has over 22 highly competitive programs that compete in various conferences and are currently in the most successful 3-year stretch in Simpson University Athletics history. The university’s Bass Fishing team has been a leading force in the sport, ranking #1 in the West for five consecutive years. These achievements highlight the effective combination of academic and co-curricular growth under Dr. Hall’s leadership.
Financial Stewardship: A Balancing Act
One of Dr. Hall’s primary responsibilities is to ensure the financial sustainability of Simpson University. As the leader in strategic planning, he oversees staff recruitment, budgeting, and fundraising efforts. The modified zero-based budgeting model used at Simpson ensures that every dollar is accounted for and linked to measurable outcomes. To achieve financial sustainability, the president has prioritized the development of non-tuition revenue streams, including fundraising and asset management.
Moreover, graduates from Simpson University carry an average student debt of $18,000, which is significantly lower than the national average. Dr. Hall takes pride in the university’s financial turnaround, highlighted by six of the best fiscal years in Simpson’s 104-year history. This achievement has put Simpson on secure financial footing.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Throughout his career, Dr. Hall has faced significant challenges with resilience. In every role, he has actively sought mentors who can offer wisdom and guidance, particularly during tough times. As a lifelong learner, he is dedicated to continuous growth, often spending weekends studying subjects such as diversity education, budget management, and fundraising. For Dr. Hall, his faith as well as ongoing personal development are both vital to effective leadership—a principle he shares with his team and students alike.
A Vision for Simpson’s Future
Dr. Hall’s ambitions for Simpson University extend beyond the campus. He envisions a vibrant institution that graduates, competent and courageous leaders who embody the university’s Christian values. Current campus projects, such as the construction of a Business Technology and Engineering Building and plans for an events center, highlight Simpson’s growth trajectory.
The upcoming events center will be the largest climate-controlled venue in the Northern State, providing space for community activities, track meets, concerts, and more. For Dr. Hall, each construction project symbolizes a significant milestone in Simpson’s journey and a step closer to fulfilling its mission.
Balancing Leadership with Life Beyond the Office
Despite his demanding role, Dr. Hall values work-life balance. A former backpacker and avid cyclist, he now enjoys walks with his wife and dogs and finds solace in fly-fishing. These moments provide the rest and reflection he needs to lead with clarity and purpose. For him, these quiet moments highlight the importance of resilience—a quality he has cultivated throughout his career and one he instills in the Simpson community.
A Message of Resilience and Purpose
Dr. Hall’s journey reflects a life dedicated to service, a commitment he discovered in his youth. Raised in the countryside, he learned the values of hard work and faith from his parents. His calling became clearer during his time as a graduate hall director, an experience that reinforced his dedication to helping others. One particular incident, where he sat with a distressed student until help arrived, deepened his sense of purpose and shaped his approach to leadership and compassion.
Today, Dr. Hall channels this commitment into his work at Simpson University, leading with a vision that combines faith, determination, and an unwavering dedication to his community. Under his guidance, Simpson University continues to thrive, serving as a beacon of learning, resilience, and service. Through his leadership, Dr. Norman D. Hall remains a steadfast advocate for Simpson’s mission and exemplifies the very determination he inspires in others.
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