Roger Degerman hired as vice president of marketing and strategic communication

Simpson College president Marsha Kelliher announced today the hiring of Roger Degerman as vice president of marketing and strategic communication. Degerman brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, most recently serving as vice president of marketing and enrollment at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Degerman begins his new role on Sept. 7. 

“Roger has built an impressive track record as a higher education marketing and communications executive and we are excited to have him as part of the Simpson team,” Kelliher said. “His leadership has strengthened the profile of his previous institutions through increased visibility, award-winning marketing campaigns and innovative web solutions. Roger’s vision will be an asset as Simpson positions itself in the competitive higher-education marketplace.”

As vice president for marketing and strategic communication, Degerman will oversee all aspects of the College’s marketing and strategic communication division. That includes internal and external communication, advertising, web strategy and development, social media and editorial efforts. 

“I am truly honored to be joining the Simpson College community,” Degerman said. “Simpson is a place with an inspiring purpose, exciting possibilities and amazing people dedicated to transforming lives. At this pivotal time in the College’s storied history, I look forward to serving under President Kelliher’s visionary leadership and partnering with colleagues college-wide to help ensure Simpson shines with heightened distinction as a leader in mission-driven liberal arts education.”

Degerman arrived at Guilford in 2015 as vice president of marketing. He moved into his current role in 2018. During his tenure, Degerman played a primary role in launching a new brand positioning strategy, resulting in national media attention for the college. He also championed the Guildford Edge marketing campaign, generating a significant increase in both web traffic and applications.

Prior to Guilford, Degerman spent almost 14 years as the senior director of marketing and communications at his alma mater, Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. As the first divisional leader of the department, he implemented processes and systems to ensure the efficiency of the team. Degerman oversaw two website redesigns, led the brand launch of the business school and developed a brand orientation program to unify the college. He also served as an adjunct instructor.

Degerman graduated from Concordia in 1984 with a bachelor’s in communications. He earned his master’s in organizational leadership, communications and marketing from the University of Denver, University College in 2013. Before his career in higher education, Degerman was the sports director at KXJB-TV in Fargo, North Dakota. 

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.
 
Contact Information
Bryan Geelan, interim vice president for marketing and strategic communication
Direct: 515-961-1608
Email: bryan.geelan@simpson.edu