Dr. Robert Simpson serves as the head lacrosse coach at North Carolina Wesleyan University, bringing a unique blend of athletic, academic, and spiritual leadership to the program. A former two-sport student-athlete at Frostburg State University, where he played both football and lacrosse, Simpson’s passion for coaching is deeply rooted in a life of service, discipline, and mentorship.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Baltimore, Dr. Simpson earned a Master of Divinity from Duke University and was ordained a Deacon in 1995 and an Elder in 1998 in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. His ministerial journey has included appointments across the state, including the Gaston Charge in Northampton County, Englewood UMC in Rocky Mount, Bethel UMC, Front Street UMC in Burlington, Resurrection UMC in Durham, Mt. Bethel in northern Durham, and Efland UMC.
While serving in Burlington, he pursued doctoral studies at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, earning a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on the Eucharist and spiritual formation in the tradition of the Church's table-centered liturgy. A respected voice in theological education, Dr. Simpson has taught spiritual formation and assisted in courses on Methodist history, polity, and practical discipleship at Duke Divinity School. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religion at Wesleyan, where he shares his experience in theology and ministry with the next generation of leaders.
In addition to coaching and teaching, Dr. Simpson is the author of Who Moved the Table, a book exploring the Eucharist’s role in shaping Christian spirituality. He remains actively involved in church leadership, serving on the District Committee on Ministry and maintaining his commitment to the Order of Saint Luke. He disciplines his life according to the Benedictine rhythm of prayer and considers himself an orthodox theologian committed to the Church’s sacramental life.
Outside of his professional roles, Coach Simpson enjoys reading, running, and weightlifting. He pastors full time at Red Oak United Methodist Church while enjoying cheering on the Bishops with his wife Christy and their son Alex.
