Simpson Replaces Mathein on Jackson College Board

(April 19, 2022 4:33 PM) At a special board meeting on Monday, April 18, the Jackson College Board of Trustees selected Christopher Simpson to fill the open seat vacancy following the retirement of Dr. Edward Mathein.   After serving as Trustee since 1998, Mathein announced his retirement at last week’s regular board meeting. Simpson, currently the undersheriff for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, will fill the remainder of Mathein’s term through the end of 2022.

Dr. Mathein has served as a Jackson College Trustee with distinction since 1998 and was Board Chair from 2008-2012. Additionally, he has represented Jackson College on the Michigan Community College Association Board since 2008 and was the MCCA State Treasurer from 2008-2012.  For his notable service contributions, he received the Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award from the College in 1996; he was nominated for Jackson Citizen of the Year also in 1996; and received both the Jackson Host Lions Distinguished Service award for 2010-2011, and Lion of the Year award for the Central District in 2017. In addition to his 24 years of service to the College, he is also a graduate of the College.

Simpson was chosen unanimously by the Board of Trustees after their review of seven individuals who expressed interest in joining the board.  Simpson, together with the rest of the board, is an alumnus of Jackson College.  In a statement, the board said Simpson will be an important voice in the community as the College continues its strategic agenda work on student success and equity, inclusion and belonging.  

In addition to serving as Jackson County Undersheriff,  Simpson has served in the U.S. Infantry, National Guard, and spent the first part of his career with the Jackson Police Department.   He started his education in law enforcement and criminal justice at Jackson College. At the same time, he taught as an adjunct instructor and received several awards and accommodations while providing volunteer leadership skills to many community organizations.

With the appointment of Simpson, Jackson College President and CEO Dan Phelan said, “Chris has an amazing knowledge of the community and the College and will play an integral role as we move forward with important community-based and equity initiatives. I am thrilled at the work he has played on the Jackson College Foundation Board and now appreciate him offering his time and talent to help the entire College with an important lens on our diversity initiatives. The fact that he is also a college alum is another point of distinction for our Board.”   

Chairman of the Board John Crist said he is “very excited with the Board’s unanimous decision regarding Mr. Simpson, and the recognition that the College needed another board member with a strong belief in education. Mr. Simpson brings with him an immense amount of experience and dedication. He is clearly a person who is well-respected in this community and able to assist the College with its desire to make the Board even more representative of the students and community that we serve.”

Also at last week’s meeting, board chairman Sam Barnes resigned his position as chairman;  trustee John Crist was nominated as the replacement and unanimously voted in to serve as chair.

Simpson will be required to run for election for the seat in the November election.