Meet John Simpson

As an educator, Mr. Simpson’s diverse experience includes teaching, upper-level administration, and coaching. His first jobs in education were as a coach at Gainesville High and Gainesville Middle School leading young athletes on football, basketball, and baseball teams as well as in physical education classes. He came to Lakeview in 2005 in coaching roles in basketball, baseball, cross country, and football, but, more significantly, as the assistant athletic director for six years. His passion for Lakeview led him to energize student spirit participation at basketball and football games. His caring attitude toward students made him an obvious choice to become the Lakeview Dean of Students in 2011, a role he served in for six years. Mr. Simpson later served as director of admissions and external relations from 2017-18, a position in which his familiarity with the greater Gainesville community served him well. Beginning in 2018 Mr. Simpson served two separate tenures as assistant head of school and an 11-month appointment as interim head of school before being named head of school in January 2022 by the Lakeview Academy Board of Directors. His personable manner, can-do attitude, and unfailing support of students have made him a favorite with students and parents.

A native of Gainesville, GA, Mr. Simpson is a graduate of Gainesville High School, but first and foremost he is a Lakeview Lion and a familiar site at all Lakeview events. When he is not cheering on the Lions, he enjoys spending time with this family — wife, Ashley, and their daughter, Mary Evan, who is a student at Lakeview. He also enjoys running, community service, and pastoring. His service to the community outside of Lakeview earned him the Gainesville Jaycee’s Young Man of the Year award in 2018.

Education

• Ed.S. (Educational Leadership), Lincoln Memorial University
• M.S. (Physical Education), University of North Georgia
• B.S. (Physical Education), University of North Georgia