Jennifer Simpson, AuD, CCC-A, Dean of The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University, has been selected to receive the Honors of the Council, the highest honor bestowed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD). This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose contributions to the Council and to academic education in Communication Sciences and Disorders have been of such magnitude that their impact is recognized throughout the professional community.

Dr. Simpson’s record reflects exemplary performance across all criteria for the Honors of the Council, distinguished by transformative leadership, administrative excellence, strategic vision, and a deep, sustained commitment to equity in communication sciences and disorders. Her service as CAPCSD President profoundly reshaped the organization and strengthened its national influence.

During her presidency, Dr. Simpson led comprehensive strategic planning, governance reform, and organizational rebranding, while spearheading the development of several major initiatives that continue to shape the future of the field. These include the DEI Academy, Admissions Summit, Clinical Educators Academy, and professional development initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, all of which exemplify her exceptional impact on the Council and her outstanding administrative leadership.

A central element of Dr. Simpson’s legacy is her leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Her work revising admissions processes, improving leadership selection procedures, and mentoring emerging academic leaders reflects exemplary service to CAPCSD and the broader profession. Through these efforts, she has helped foster more equitable pathways into the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Dr. Simpson has also demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and research-informed improvement. Her forward-thinking oversight of CAPCSD’s artificial intelligence initiatives and leadership of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Task Force highlight her dedication to preparing academic programs for the future while strengthening educational quality. In addition, her leadership in developing training programs for clinic directors has had a meaningful impact on clinical education and practice nationwide.

Beyond CAPCSD, Dr. Simpson’s collaborative work with ASHA, ETS, and other national organizations, along with her service on the VA Affiliation Partnership Council, illustrates extraordinary professional collaboration and legislative engagement. These efforts have further strengthened academic-clinical partnerships, professional standards, and advocacy efforts across the field.

In her current role as Dean of The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University, Dr. Simpson continues to advance interdisciplinary education, leadership development, and innovation in health professions education—further reflecting the values and excellence recognized by the Honors of the Council.

Across her presidency and prior leadership roles, Dr. Simpson has shaped national conversations, cultivated future leaders, and ensured that CAPCSD remains a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking organization. Her career embodies the highest level of excellence envisioned by the Honors of the Council.

Dr. Simpson will be formally recognized during the CAPCSD Annual Conference on Friday, April 10, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.