Dr. Susan D. Stuebner: Developing Innovative Learning Opportunities

Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Susan D. Stuebner has remained focused on ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of private, regional, liberal arts colleges. That commitment continues as she takes on the presidency of Simpson College, a private liberal arts institution in Indianola, Iowa, which currently has 1,268 undergraduates.

 Dr. Susan D. Stuebner“I believe very strongly that private, regional, liberal arts colleges are integral in providing a transformative education for students,” says
Stuebner, who previously served as president of Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. “Right from the beginning of my conversations about the opportunity [at Simpson], I felt a strong sense of fit. There’s a really strong sense of community… and the faculty and students are extraordinarily dedicated to student success.”

The college updated its mission several years ago: “Through innovative learning opportunities, individual student attention, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive educational access, Simpson College cultivates a diverse community of learners to lead lives of meaning and purpose.” Stuebner says it is important that Simpson stays true to that mission while also adjusting to the current times.

“Now, more than ever, liberal arts skills are needed,” she says. “We’ve talked a lot on campus about how to use AI (artificial intelligence) in a way that matches AI with the critical thinking of a human versus only one or the other. That’s where we will maximize the potential of that tool.”

Stuebner notes it is crucial to provide clear examples of the success of liberal arts education, such as showing internships that build skills and lead to vibrant careers. Undergraduate research is a big part of Simpson. Iowa has a NASA Space Grant Program (Iowa Space Grant Consortium), and there is a biologist working with several Simpson students on biological space research.

“What has driven me in this field is how this setting introduces the students to opportunities that they may not have known they had,” Stuebner explains. “Even the mentorship from faculty, I’ve heard time and time again, ‘A faculty member saw something in me that I didn’t see yet in myself.’”

As an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, Stuebner fell in love with learning. In addition to thriving in her courses, she played on the women’s basketball team and went on to coach college hoops after graduation. This included three years as the head women’s basketball coach at Albright College, during which time she was named Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth League Coach of the Year. Understanding team dynamics has been instrumental to her leadership skills.

“One of the things you learn on teams or coaching teams is that every single person has a role that contributes to the success of a team,” Stuebner says. “A good coach can help people understand that no matter what your role is, you truly do impact the team’s success. … As I walk around campus or I’m in meetings, I really hope people see that whatever they do on this campus, they are helping transform students’ lives.

“You cannot succeed as a team unless you communicate,” she continues. “Also, we as a community have to keep practicing. We don’t always win, so we always have to keep striving to get better.” 

A reality of leading a small college is the need to be innovative in thinking about not only academic programs, but also about ways to generate revenue. Simpson Online was an early adopter of adult education. Stuebner says there are currently discussions about the college’s next big idea.

“Even at a more micro level, our faculty are incredibly reflective,” Stuebner says. “As you can imagine, a lot of those conversations have centered on AI. Part of it is faculty, administrators and trustees being open and embracing the idea that we have to be innovative while still being true to our mission and that liberal arts core.”

Simpson’s culture, value and size enable the college to remain committed to inclusivity. “If someone is having a difficult time, they have voice and they have someone who is going to connect with them,” Stuebner says. “My job as president is to help reinforce a culture where everyone on our campus feels like they can succeed and be safe.

“Iowa’s position as first-in-the-nation caucus, we get a lot of opportunity to talk about ideas, what we believe and what we don’t believe and how to listen respectfully,” she adds. “We have to be intentional to make sure we don’t slip, but I believe it’s on the forefront of everyone’s mind.”