By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – UB may soon have a new president. State University Chancellor Robert King Friday announced he will recommend that the Board of Trustees name University of California Provost John Simpson.
If approved, Simpson would become UB's fourteenth president. He succeeds William Greiner, who announced his retirement early this year.
According to UB officials, Simpson was chosen unanimously by the presidential search committee.
Also considered by many to have been a top candidate for the position was UB Provost Elizabeth Capaldi.
In making his recommendation, Chancellor King said Simpson is "an accomplished scholar, capable administrator and outstanding leader."
Simpson has both extensive operational and academic experience at the University of California in Santa Cruz as Provost, and prior to that at the University of Washington in Seattle.
The graduate of the University of California holds masters and doctoral degrees in neurobiology and behavior from Northwestern University.
UB Presidential Search Committee Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, who led the seven member team, said he is confident Simpson will be able to lead UB to even greater accomplishments and recognition in the future.