Alexis Simpson has joined UNH as the university’s new chaplain. Simpson is also serving as the executive director of the Waysmeet Center. She has lived in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire for nearly 15 years and has used her passion for social justice and sustainable food systems to support the local food systems in the area.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the UNH community,” Simpson says. “I'm looking forward to meeting people across the campus and to being part of the social framework that keeps us connected and supported by one another."
In relation to her work at the Waysmeet Center, Simpson added that she is eager to be leading the center in its commitment to social, environmental and food justice.
Simpson arrives at UNH after having completed a master’s degree in religion, ethics and politics at Harvard University. She has previously served as campus minister and chaplain to international students at Emory University, where she earned a Master of Divinity.
Simpson represents Exeter, Newfields, Newmarket and Stratham in the state legislature, and as a pastor in the United Church of Christ has preached at local churches in the area throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.