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. A 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.