# Simpson College Endowment

Simpson College Endowment is an Endowment / Foundation based in Indianola, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Indianola, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 701 North C Street, Indianola, IA 50125, United States
- **Founded:** 1860
- **Assets under management:** $82 million (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** simpson.edu
- **LinkedIn:** https://simpson.edu/

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Simpson College Endowment traces its origin to the college's founding in 1860, making it one of the older permanent pools in Iowa. The endowment supports a private liberal-arts institution formally affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Its board leadership connects directly to the regional business community — Chair Terry Handley ran Casey's General Stores, a publicly traded convenience-store chain, while board member Deanna Strable now leads Principal Financial Group. The endowment deploys capital to fund student scholarships and academic programs, with a portfolio that includes a tangible Iowa real-estate component. Holdings span the main Indianola campus, a commercial West Des Moines facility, and an associated mixed-use real estate portfolio. The investment approach appears to draw on the judgment of a board anchored by executives from Wells Fargo, Nationwide, and Principal Financial — a concentration of insurance and banking expertise unusual for an endowment this size. At an estimated $82 million (Altss estimate), the pool is small relative to national peers but reflects sustained stewardship rather than flash fundraising. The college participates in the Council of Independent Colleges and the Iowa Independent Colleges and Universities Association, signaling a collaborative approach to resource-sharing. The endowment's structural distinction lies in its governance overlap with the local corporate sector rather than a dedicated internal investment office.

## Sectors

- Education
- Real Estate

## Offices

- West Des Moines, IA, United States

## People

- Terry Handley — Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Deanna Strable — Board Member

## Questions

### How large is Simpson College Endowment, and what is the source of its funds?

The endowment is estimated at $82 million (Altss estimate). It is a permanent pool accumulated over decades from donations, bequests, and appreciation. The college's affiliation with the United Methodist Church and named sub-funds like the Eberhart Student Aid Fund indicate a donor-driven capital base rather than a single wealth-origination event.

### How is Simpson College Endowment governed?

Governance is led by a Board of Trustees with deep ties to Iowa's corporate sector. Chair Terry Handley previously ran a publicly traded convenience-store chain, and board members include current CEOs and regional directors from major financial institutions. This governance structure is more characteristic of a regional operating company than a typical higher-education investment committee.

### What is the relationship between Simpson College and the United Methodist Church?

Simpson College maintains a formal affiliation with the United Methodist Church, which historically shapes donor relationships and community partnerships. While the endowment is a distinct legal entity supporting the college, its funding base and stewardship ethos are closely tied to the church's network.

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- [Clinton Retirement Board](https://altss.com/profile/clinton-retirement-board)
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Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:43:31.692Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/simpson-college-endowment

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