Louann Simpson
Professor LouAnn Simpson had plenty on her plate before she was appointed university marshal at Drake University last week, but that isn’t stopping her from fulfilling her responsibilities to students.
In addition to being the faculty advisor for Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, Simpson is also the faculty advisor for the mock trial program, moot court program, the Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity and the recently formed lacrosse team.
President David Maxwell appointed Simpson, a professor of business law.
“This appointment as university marshal is one of great distinction,” Maxwell said in a Drake press release. “In LouAnn’s case, it is a reflection of years of distinguished service to Drake University in a variety of important capacities, of her stature at the university as a faculty member and of her wise and compassionate commitment to our students.”
The university marshal serves as master of ceremonies at university commencements and other formal events, including convocations and installations. It is typically held in five-year terms. The position is determined upon specific criteria, including that candidates hold the rank of a full-time professor, are actively engaged in the life of the university and have regularly attended Drake commencements.
While Simpson isn’t certain how many commencements she has attended (she estimated she has attended two each year for the last 30 years), she always looks forward to a specific part of the ceremony—when students walk across the stage to accept their diplomas.
“They’re recognized for graduating, for the accomplishments they’ve received,” Simpson said. “That’s exciting.”
Simpson said she is thrilled to hold the position of university marshal.
“There’s only one marshal,” Simpson said. “I feel fortunate that I have known all of (the former marshals) and I think that it’s an honor to be able to follow in their footsteps.”
Simpson, who joined the Drake faculty in 1974, left a career in law to teach.
“I don’t ever regret that decision,” Simpson said. “The important thing is that it’s so exciting to watch students mature, change, grow (and) get excited about their future. It’s exciting when students stay in touch and you realize where they’re going in their lives and what they’ve accomplished. That’s what it’s all about for me. I enjoy the other responsibilities, but the focus is on teaching. It’s all about the students.
