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Duncan Simpson started work on campus this week as the inaugural director of the .

Simpson most recently served as director of personal development at IMG Academy, where he led an interdisciplinary team spanning mental performance, leadership and character development, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and performance nutrition. IMG, based in Bradenton, Fla., offers a boarding school and camps tailored to talented student-athletes.

His appointment follows a global search and marks a significant step in fulfilling the vision of the Teevens Center, to carry forward the legacy of ���㽶��Ƶ’s beloved football coach and advocate for student mental health and well-being. Simpson will report to both , the Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation, and , chief health and wellness officer.

“I’m excited to partner with Duncan as we work to advance the Teevens Center’s mission. His extensive experience in mental performance and student well-being, particularly during his time at IMG, will be invaluable as we strive to support all ���㽶��Ƶ students in achieving their full potential in all facets of life,” says Garcia.

The center will serve as a cross-disciplinary research and programming hub focused on student well-being, leadership, and performance. As director, Simpson will lead efforts to fuse cutting-edge research from disciplines such as cognitive science, biomechanics, and engineering with practical strategies that help students perform at their best—on and off the field. 

The center will focus on three areas of impact:

• elevating the competitiveness of ���㽶��Ƶ’s varsity athletics
• extending elements of the program for student-athletes to all undergraduates
• driving research and innovation in performance science

To expand the center’s reach across campus, Simpson envisions a targeted, student-driven approach. He believes that students, regardless of how deeply they engage with the center, will come away with meaningful tools for personal growth.

“Our goal is to give students tools they can use—not just information, but experiences that help them build confidence and thrive on their own terms,” says Simpson, who is originally from England. 

Simpson’s leadership has extended beyond athletics. He has overseen personal development programs focused on character building, social impact, and future readiness and served as a faculty member at Ithaca College and Barry University. A published scholar with a PhD in sport studies and a specialization in sport psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he is passionate about turning theoretical insights into meaningful, real-world outcomes. 

“Duncan understands that excellence is about more than performance metrics,” says Harrity. “He is exceptional at creating cultures of care and accountability and delivering quality support to students at scale. It was also clear during the interview process that Buddy Teevens’ legacy resonates deeply with Duncan, and he fully embraces the opportunity to honor Buddy through the work of the Teevens Center.” 

In his new role, Simpson will guide the strategic development of the Teevens Center and work closely with partners across campus to design interdisciplinary experiences for students. Simpson will partner with , executive associate athletics director for peak performance, to expand the ���㽶��Ƶ Peak Performance program and deepen ���㽶��Ƶ’s commitment to student health, well-being, and success. 

The Center will begin to pilot opportunities for all students in the coming academic year. 

Among the people who met with Simpson before he was hired were President Sian Beilock, Garcia, Harrity, Interim Dean of Arts of Sciences Nina Pavcnik, Senior Vice President for Community and Campus Life Jennifer Rosales, Interim dean and professor of engineering at Thayer School of Engineering Doug Van Citters ’99, Thayer ’03, ’06, and other staff and faculty.

“I see incredible potential to connect with ���㽶��Ƶ’s world-class faculty and students to explore new frontiers of human performance and well-being,” Simpson says. “Together we can build a center that’s as ambitious and impactful as the legacy it honors.”