Future-focused and innovative, Dr. Colleen Simpson is redefining education by blurring the lines between high school, college, the classroom and the workforce.
Dr. Simpson proudly serves as the ninth president of Front Range Community College (FRCC), the largest community college in the Colorado Community College System, with campuses in Westminster, Boulder County, Larimer County and online.
Her appointment in August 2022 marked a historic milestone, as she became the first Black woman to lead the college in its 60-year history. She draws on her Caribbean heritage and lifelong commitment to educational opportunity to guide her leadership.
Under Dr. Simpson's leadership, FRCC has advanced its Forward, Together strategic plan by expanding applied bachelor's degrees, strengthening university transfer pathways, increasing philanthropic investment in student success and building partnerships that connect education with Colorado's workforce needs. She has also positioned FRCC as a leader in Colorado's quantum ecosystem through partnerships with industry, universities and the Elevate Quantum consortium, helping prepare students for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing technology sectors.
During her presidency, FRCC has earned several state and national recognitions, including designation as a Colorado First Generation-Serving Institution, a Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus, a Military Friendly® Top 10 School and continued participation in the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Nationally, Dr. Simpson serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Presidents Academy Executive Committee and the AACC Commission on Student Agency, Student Success, Learning Pathways and Wellbeing. She also serves on the boards of UCHealth, the Boulder Chamber, the Colorado Community College System Foundation, Colorado's Elevate Quantum consortium and GlobalMindED Colorado.
Before becoming president, Dr. Simpson built a career spanning academic affairs, student success and enrollment management, with experience across the full student lifecycle and as an adjunct faculty member. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University, along with a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Marketing from Baruch College, part of the City University of New York.
Follow Dr. Simpson on Social Media
Stay connected with Dr. Simpson's work and latest updates by following her online at @FRCCDrSimpson
Future-focused and innovative, Dr. Colleen Simpson is redefining education by blurring the lines between high school, college, the classroom and the workforce.
Dr. Simpson proudly serves as the ninth president of Front Range Community College (FRCC), the largest community college in the Colorado Community College System, with campuses in Westminster, Boulder County, Larimer County and online.
Her appointment in August 2022 marked a historic milestone, as she became the first Black woman to lead the college in its 60-year history. She draws on her Caribbean heritage and lifelong commitment to educational opportunity to guide her leadership.
Under Dr. Simpson's leadership, FRCC has advanced its Forward, Together strategic plan by expanding applied bachelor's degrees, strengthening university transfer pathways, increasing philanthropic investment in student success and building partnerships that connect education with Colorado's workforce needs. She has also positioned FRCC as a leader in Colorado's quantum ecosystem through partnerships with industry, universities and the Elevate Quantum consortium, helping prepare students for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing technology sectors.
During her presidency, FRCC has earned several state and national recognitions, including designation as a Colorado First Generation-Serving Institution, a Comprehensive Basic Needs Campus, a Military Friendly® Top 10 School and continued participation in the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Nationally, Dr. Simpson serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Presidents Academy Executive Committee and the AACC Commission on Student Agency, Student Success, Learning Pathways and Wellbeing. She also serves on the boards of UCHealth, the Boulder Chamber, the Colorado Community College System Foundation, Colorado's Elevate Quantum consortium and GlobalMindED Colorado.
Before becoming president, Dr. Simpson built a career spanning academic affairs, student success and enrollment management, with experience across the full student lifecycle and as an adjunct faculty member. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University, along with a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Marketing from Baruch College, part of the City University of New York.
Office of the President
Follow Dr. Simpson on Social Media
Stay connected with Dr. Simpson's work and latest updates by following her online at @FRCCDrSimpson
Engage with Dr. Simpson
You can submit a request to meet with Dr. Simpson or have her speak at your event.
FRCC in the News
Read some of the biggest stories about Front Range Community College.
Longmont City Council Approves Phase II of FRCC's Urban Innovation Campus
This landmark decision advances a first-of-its-kind downtown workforce and innovation hub for the region.
FRCC Helping to Improve Bachelor's Degrees
Front Range Community College is helping shape the national standard for community college baccalaureate education.
View Dr. Simpson's monthly newsletters to get the latest college updates from FRCC.
Explore FRCC's Leadership Team
Rebecca Woulfe, PhD
Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
Kyla Antony, MEd
Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success
Alana Olschwang, PhD
Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
Lilian Clemente, MEd
Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Beryl Durazo, CFRE
Executive Director of Advancement & Foundation
David Osborn, CPA
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Ethan Johnson, DPA
Vice President of Operations
Jeremy Moretti, PhD
Vice President of Human Resources & Organizational Development
Denise Bucher
Executive Director of Administrative Operations