John B. Simpson took office as UB's 14th president on January 1, 2004. Coming from a background in neurobiology and neuro-endocrinology, Simpson spent twenty-three years at the University of Washington as a professor of psychology and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In July 1998 he was appointed to the University of California, Santa Cruz as executive vice chancellor and a year later he also became provost. As UB’s 14th president, Simpson led the campus community in launching UB 2020, a long-range strategic vision focused on investing in core interdisciplinary areas of research strength, transforming institutional operations, and implementing a comprehensive physical plan. An nationally recognized advocate for the vital role of public higher education in American life, Simpson published widely on the impact of research universities in social and economic prosperity. A leading voice on educational access and collaboration, he championed a historic partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools to improve educational outcomes, and significantly expanded the university’s relationships with its broader communities regionally and globally.