Coleman Simpson received the 2023 Cultivator of Change Award from the Cultivating Change Foundation at its annual summit in October. The Cultivator of Change Award recognizes someone who champions visibility and voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the agricultural industry. The award recipient also demonstrates a commitment to LGBTQ+ agriculturists and furthers the cause of the industry’s diverse working population.

“This award recognizes what so many of us already knew—that Coleman works tirelessly to make our college a more welcoming place for all,” says Jackie Bruce, interim director of student success and DEI wellness and belonging faculty fellow in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). “Coleman is peerless in his advocacy for LGBTQ+ people in all spaces.”

Simpson, who is the student services specialist and scholarship coordinator in the Academic Programs office, is grateful to those who nominated him for the award: CALS Interim Associate Dean Kimberly Allen, Oaks Leadership Scholars Co-director Katherine McKee and Assistant Dean for Professional Development Rhonda Sutton. 

“Winning the award was a surprise,” he says. “Seeing the people I respect and appreciate who mentored and supported me then recognize me is gratifying and humbling.”

When he was a CALS sophomore, Simpson was introduced to the Cultivating Change Foundation by a faculty member. 

“I was struggling as an LGBTQ+ student,” he says. “I felt isolated and like I had to present a side of myself different from what I wanted to present—for my safety and my professional credibility. I felt alone.”

Upon researching the foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ agriculturists, he applied to present at the 2017 conference in Sacramento, California. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Academic Programs office funded Simpson’s trip. 

“I fell in love with the community and people,” he says. “It’s been a good place to build community, fight for equity for LGBTQ+ people, share our experiences and figure out how we can make an impact.”

The foundation aims to increase the college-to-industry diversity pipeline specifically for LGBTQ+ students. Simpson works with its board of directors to start collegiate chapters nationwide. One was launched at Pennsylvania State University, and Simpson aspires to repeat this success at NC State. 

“We help students who want to start chapters and who want to find a community,” he says. “Right now, we have seven, and hopefully, we’ll add two more. We help faculty and staff who want a safe space and students who can’t start a chapter. We talk to administrators who are interested in supporting their students.”

Simpson’s research into LGBTQ+ students in colleges of agriculture mirrors his personal experiences, from code-switching to assuming a more masculine demeanor to gain acceptance from peers and professors. 

Findings, with collaborators Bruce and McKee, revealed that LGBTQ+ students feel invisible, isolated and self-protective.

Despite the research findings, Simpson feels optimistic about students’ growing awareness.

“Students are starting organizations and advocating for themselves and others at their universities,” he says. “They’re providing resources at their campuses. But we must see more effort from faculty, staff and college administrators to support the work.” 

Simpson was an Oaks Leadership Scholar who served on the student senate. Now, as an employee, he serves on the staff senate and co-leads the CALS Wellness Council. 

An avid learner, Simpson double majored in agricultural science and political science. He earned a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education and a second master’s in public administration. Additionally, he’s pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership, policy and human development.

Contact Coleman Simpson at cksimpso@ncsu.edu to learn more about the Cultivating Change Foundation or opportunities for LGBTQ+ students.