University Community Mourns Passing of Bob W. Simpson, longtime director of theatre
JONESBORO – The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Bob W. Simpson of Jonesboro, who died Thursday.
In 2016 the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees named the black box experimental teaching theatre in Fowler Center “The Simpson Theatre” in recognition of the distinguished service to the university by Simpson and his wife, Molly, who also served on the Department of Theatre faculty.
With a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre design and technology from the University of Mississippi and his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arkansas State, he joined the Department of Theatre faculty in 1983. His teaching specialties include stagecraft, lighting, theatre management and theatre history, while his research interests include theatre architecture and technology.
Simpson became technical director and served as director of theatre for many years before becoming department chair. In addition to teaching, he often was directly involved in A-State Theatre productions as set designer or director.
He was among those who were instrumental in planning and overseeing the theatre's transition in 2001 from Wilson Hall to its new home in Fowler Center, and he guided the formation and direction of the A-State Theatre Guild, a support organization.
Among his many professional awards, he received the A-State Faculty Achievement Award for Service in 2000. For the last two years of his A-State career, he also served as director of Fowler Center. He was named emeritus professor of theatre upon his retirement in 2016.
Survivors include his wife, Molly; their children and families; and many other relatives. Visitation and a memorial service will be Friday, July 7. The complete obituary and service arrangements are online.
The university will light the clock tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library scarlet Friday evening, July 7.
