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Simpson College names new Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communication

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Simpson College announced today the appointment of Catherine Cole as vice president for marketing and strategic communication. Cole comes to Simpson from the University of Montana, where she served as vice president for enrollment management and strategic communication. Cole begins her position at Simpson Aug. 1, 2020.

“Catherine Cole is a passionate higher education leader with decades of hands-on experience in marketing, communication, messaging and branding,” said Marsha Kelliher, Simpson College president. “Her efforts have led to double-digit enrollment and retention growth, friend- and fund-raising, a steep increase in brand equity for her institutions and reinvigorated brands and placement in the competitive landscape of higher education. We are thrilled to have someone of Cathy’s caliber join us as a member of our team as we position Simpson College for an exciting and robust future.”

In her new position, Cole will be responsible for all aspects of Simpson’s marketing and strategic communication division, including overseeing communications, editorial and design, visual and social media, advertising, web strategy, development and sports information. 

During her time at the University of Montana, Cole overhauled the admissions operations, introduced financial aid leveraging and net tuition revenue, created a new brand for the university and centralized communication to, with and for stakeholders. She previously served the University of North Florida as assistant vice president for enrollment services and director of enrollment marketing and communication. Her career also includes stops at Middle Tennessee State University, Eastern Michigan University and Wichita State University. 

Cole earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1990. She earned her master’s degree in integrated marketing communication at West Virginia University in 2012. 

“It is an honor to be joining Simpson College,” Cole said. “After meeting with President Kelliher, the search committee and the marketing and strategic communication team, I was drawn to Simpson’s mission, vision, innovative spirit and student-centric focus. Simpson’s combination of a liberal arts foundation in an inclusive, supportive community makes it a highly desirable, distinctive educational experience. I look forward to working with the entire Simpson family to share its story far and wide. This is a team that is making a difference and I am absolutely honored to be a part of such a dedicated group of professionals.”

For more information, contact:
Andy English
Interim Director of Marketing and Strategic Communication
Office: 515-961-1547
Email: andy.english@simpson.edu