Marietta Simpson, the Distinguished Professor and Rudy Professor of Music at the IU Jacobs School of Music, will take on a new role as a Faculty Fellow in the Office of the President, President Pamela Whitten announced today.

Marietta Simpson previously served as president of the Bloomington Faculty Council. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University

The IU Board of Trustees approved Whitten’s request to establish the position at its June meeting. The two-year appointment was created for an established IU faculty member interested in increasing their understanding of university-wide initiatives, strategic planning and leadership roles, while contributing to the advancement of the university.

“Marietta Simpson’s service to IU, including as former president of the Bloomington Faculty Council, will provide helpful insights to my administration and ensure faculty perspectives are well represented,” Whitten said. “I look forward to working closely with Marietta in this new role as we work to build on IU’s reputation for excellence.”

The Faculty Fellow will serve as a liaison between the faculty and senior university leaders, ensuring the faculty perspective is integrated into critical administrative discussions and decision-making. In that role, Simpson will work closely with the University Faculty Council and Whitten to advance the institution and fulfill the IU 2030 strategic plan.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Facilitating communication and collaboration between faculty and senior leaders.
• Providing leadership on focused projects supporting university strategic needs.
• Participating in senior leadership meetings and consulting with the president on various issues.

“It is with a deep sense of respect for my Indiana University colleagues that I have accepted this role of Faculty Fellow in the Office of the President,” Simpson said. “I look forward to working alongside President Whitten in building sustainable bridges of communication and understanding where my colleagues’ interests and perspectives are represented.”

Simpson will begin her two-year appointment Jan. 1.

Phil Goff, Danielle DeSawal, William Allegrezza, Kathleen Marrs, Cate Reck and Sridhar Ramachandran served on the search committee.