Ann Simpson | Wyoming steward, mental health advocate, and champion for the arts

Women in Wyoming Podcast

Ann Simpson grew up on a small farm in Greybull, Wyoming. As the wife of former United States Senator Alan Simpson, she had the opportunity to travel and experience the world. The exposure to people and cultures here and abroad informed and inspired Ann’s many projects across the decades. Throughout her years in politics, first with father-in-law Milward Simpson and continuing with husband Al in the Wyoming State Legislature and the U. S. Senate, Ann learned that by extending oneself to people of all types, they respond in kind. This realization has been a guiding force throughout her life and is at the heart of her good works. Time spent in Germany as part of Al’s army career led Ann to start the first American Field Service study abroad program in Cody. This program allowed Wyoming youth to travel abroad, while bringing students from around the world to Wyoming. A mental health advocate, Ann was passionately involved in the Congressional Wives Mental Health Group and the Lab School of Washington for Children with Dyslexia. As a champion of the arts, Ann was spurred to create the University of Wyoming’s most successful art outreach effort: The Ann Simpson Artmobile. Named in her honor, the Artmobile has traveled the state for more than 30 years showcasing pieces from the University of Wyoming Art Museum’s collection, exposing Wyoming communities to the arts, and engaging students with hands-on activities.