M.A. Vanderbilt University
Matthew Simpson is the Chief Research and Governmental Affairs Officer for Ozarks Technical Community College. where he has worked since 2011. In this role, he conducts research to support data-informed decision making at the college. He also oversees federal and state compliance data reporting and serves as Accreditation Liaison Officer with the Higher Learning Commission.
Mr. Simpson joined the college in 2011, previously serving as College Director of Research, Strategic Planning and Grant Development.
Mr. Simpson received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science, with a minor in Economics, from Missouri State University, and his Master of Arts in Political Science from Vanderbilt University.
Mr. Simpson was recognized by MIDAIR with the Joe Saupe Award for Best First-Time Presenter in 2012 and the Best Presentation Award in 2015. He was also recognized as a member of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018, Biz 417’s 10 for the Next 10 Class of 2018, and the Missouri Community College Association’s 2017 Technology Innovation Award.
In addition to his work for the college, Mr. Simpson serves as the Zone 4 Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Springfield having been re-elected most recently in 2021. He has volunteered with several local organizations to facilitate strategic plan development and serves on other local boards including the Healthy Living Alliance and Mayor’s Commission for Children.