Exhibit - President Lou Anna K. Simon (2005–2018)
Lou Anna Simon had a long history at Michigan State University, spanning over three decades. She started at MSU in 1970 as a graduate student, earning her doctorate in 1974. She then became a member of the MSU faculty and assistant director of the Office of Institutional Research.
Simon had served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs since 1993. Simon ran the university in 2003 as interim president while current president McPherson was helping to rebuild Iraq's economy. In January 2005 she became the first woman president in the university's history.
Simon earned her doctorate degree in philosophy, administration and higher education from MSU in 1974. In addition Simon also holds a master's degree in student personnel and counseling (1970), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics (1969), both from Indiana State University.
Simon resigned from the presidency on January 24, 2018. Simon remains a John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor following her resignation.
Finding aid to the Lou Anna K. Simon papers (UA 2.1.20).
Written by MSU Archives staff.
Exhibit created by Megan Badgley Malone.
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