2026 Recipient - David Bauer '76

Ralph W. Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary

Dr. David R. Bauer has served on Asbury Theological Seminary’s faculty since 1984. He received a B.A. from Spring Arbor College (University), an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also has done postdoctoral studies as a Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Bauer is the recipient of the American Bible Society Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies, Asbury Seminary’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (twice), Asbury Seminary’s Excellence in Mentoring (twice), and the Spring Arbor University Alumni Association Award of Professional Excellence.

He was director of the Institutional Self-Study for Asbury Seminary from 1992 to 1994 and has served as a member of the executive committee of the Institute for Biblical Research. He has served as chair of the Matthew Group of the Society of Biblical Literature and chair of the Hebrews Consultation of the Society of Biblical Literature. Dr. Bauer is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church of North America and a member of the Study Commission on Doctrine for the Free Methodist Church of North America. He is a member of The Board of The Word is Out, an international mission organization.

In addition, Dr. Bauer has written several articles and has written or edited nine books, including Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics (2011); The Gospel of the Son of God: An Introduction to Matthew (2019); The Book of Acts as Story: A Narrative Critical Study (2021); and The Essential Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry (2023). He was also the principal translator for the Matthew portion of the Common English Bible. Dr. Bauer lives with his son, Christopher, in Wilmore, Kentucky

2026 Recipient - Christopher Simpson '99 '10

Chief of Police for the City of Jackson

Christopher Simpson was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Jackson, Michigan. He began his career with the Jackson Police Department in 1991 as a police cadet. He attended Lansing Community College’s police academy, and was promoted to patrol officer in 1992. As a patrol officer, he was assigned to the C.R.A.C drug enforcement unit from 1994 until 1998, and served as the Liaison Officer for Jackson High School from 1998 until 2000.

In 2001, Simpson was promoted to Sergeant and assigned as the Jackson Police Department’s Training Coordinator from 2003 until 2006. Chief Simpson served on the Jackson Special Response team from 1993 until 2010, and served as the Department's Honor Guard Coordinator. In June 2008, he was promoted to lieutenant. Chief Simpson retired from the Department in June of 2017.

From 2020 until 2025, Simpson served as the Undersheriff for The Jackson County Office of the Sheriff. On February 22, 2025, Simpson was appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Jackson.

Chief Simpson graduated from Jackson High School 1986 and joined the United States Army and served 4 years as an Infantryman. He later joined the Michigan Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2003. Chief Simpson served in the United Army for 30 years before retiring in 2016 as a Command Sergeant Major (E-9).

Chief Simpson received a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University in Business Management in 1999. He also earned a master’s degree from Spring Arbor University in Business Administration in 2010. In 1995, he attended and graduated from Northwestern University School of Staff and Command. In 2011, Chief Simpson attended and graduated from the National FBI Academy in Quantico Virginia. Also in 2011, he attended and graduated from the New Chief School through the Michigan Chiefs Association.

Chief Simpson is married to Erica and has 4 children, and 3 grandchildren.

Chief Simpson's community involvement outside of the Department includes:

• Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
• Jackson Human Services Coordinating Alliance
• Jackson YMCA
• Jackson Community Foundation
• Highfields
• Jackson Chamber of Commerce
• Jackson County NAACP, Former 1st Vice President
• Law Enforcement Executive Action Forum
• Jackson Aware Shelter
• Juneteenth Board
• Jackson College Foundation Board
• Elected Trustee of Jackson College
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

2026 Recipient - Olivia Sanders '18

Founder and Executive Director of The Way Coffee Company & Academic Resource Director at Genesee Christian School

Olivia the Founder and Executive Director of The Way Coffee Company, a nonprofit instructional program that provides meaningful job training and employment opportunities for young adults with learning differences. Through this ministry, she is passionate about creating pathways that empower individuals to thrive in both life and the workforce. 

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Olivia serves as the Academic Resource Director at Genesee Christian School, where she advocates for students with learning disabilities and helps families access educational options that best fit their child’s needs. Her work is centered on increasing school choice for all families. 

Olivia graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2018 and spent five years pursuing advanced studies in educational technology and administration, as well as teaching high school, before stepping away to launch The Way Coffee Company.

She lives in Fenton, Michigan with her husband, Will, and their daughter. Olivia and Will are actively involved at The Way Church, which was founded the same year they were married and has grown alongside their family over the past seven years. They recently served as foster parents to a young child and enjoy life with their beloved dogs.

2026 Award Recipient - Robin Smith '04, '05

Founder, Consultant of RS Focus Consulting

Robin Smith is dedicated to helping individuals gain clarity around their purpose and passion by identifying their God-given strengths and unique gifts. She is deeply committed to encouraging, equipping, and challenging others to reach their full potential and become all that God has created them to be.

In 2021, Robin founded RS Focus Consulting with a mission to empower individuals to lead and live their lives to the fullest. She specializes in leadership development across all ages and stages, with a particular focus on supporting women in the nonprofit sector. With more than 38 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Robin provides one-on-one coaching for personal and professional growth, facilitates women’s masterminds, leads staff and board development sessions, and speaks at a variety of events.

A gifted speaker and teacher of God’s Word, Robin is passionate about helping others experience deeper connection with God through a clearer understanding of Scripture. She regularly speaks at women’s conferences, retreats, and Bible studies. She also serves with Ignite Life, a Las Vegas nonprofit, contributing as a member of the Board of Directors, as part of the teaching team, and as a consultant for training and development.

Robin resides in Henderson, Nevada, with her husband, Homer, to whom she has been married since 1986. They are active members of Avenue Church, where they lead mission trips to Mexico, mentor young adults, and engage in small group ministry. Together, they enjoy exploring God’s creation through hiking, walking, and relaxing with a good book. They have two children and one grandchild.

2026 Award Recipients - Hannah Roelofs '26 

MSW Student

Hannah is a recent graduate from SAU and current MSW student. She is known to fellow students for showing authentic love for others and for Jesus, stepping up to take on leadership roles both in Spiritual Life and in student-led organizations over the past four years, in addition to participation in the E.P. Hart Honors program. Always friendly and always willing to welcome people on the margins, Hannah has embodied what it means to be a leader in our community of learners.

Hannah has also been known to her professors for the depth at which she engages and wrestles with the material in her classes, pursuing academic inquiry and serious self-examination to make sure that hers is a life well lived. She has regularly volunteered with the Interfaith Shelter, the Salvation Army, and SAU Serves Day. Hannah served her fellow students on campus as a tutor, a caregiver, an RCA, leader of the Spanish Club, an active member of the Student Social Work Association, and an event programmer for the Women in Leadership Conference. In addition to double majoring in Social Work and Spanish, Hannah completed a semester abroad in Seville, Spain as well as a traditional 3-week Cross Cultural Studies trip to Kenya.