HIGH POINT, N.C., May 30, 2018 – High Point University recently honored retiring faculty Ed Simpson and Michael Ingram for their combined 41 years of service to the campus and community.
Simpson, chair and professor of theatre performance, came to High Point University in 2008 after a distinguished career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As an actor, director and playwright, he provided impactful mentorship to students inside and outside of the classroom. Under Simpson’s direction, the theatre program at HPU garnered attention as one of the best undergraduate programs in the country.
“Ed’s expertise and experience totally revolutionized the theatre program at High Point University,” says Dr. Dennis Carroll, HPU provost. “Under his leadership, the theatre program was brought to the highest level of excellence ever.”
Ingram, head of technical services and systems librarian for HPU, came to work at Smith Library in 1987. He graduated from High Point College in 1977. Ingram’s impact on the university library has been recognizable throughout the years. When he first began his career with HPU, the collection included 200,000 print, serial and microfilm volumes. Today, the collection includes nearly one million volumes of books, journals and digital content. Ingram has been essential in making access to these materials available.
“Over the years, Mike has served on many committees but really dedicated himself to technology by serving on the university technology committee,” says David Bryden, director of library services. “I have benefited from Mike’s wisdom for 30 years. His steady philosophical talent made him a great colleague.”