Walter Simpson was the University at Buffalo's energy officer for 26 years. He received a B.A. in philosophy (1971) from Boston University, and both an M.A in philosophy (1975) and M.S. in environmental studies (1982) from the University at Buffalo. While at UB, Simpson was also an instructor in the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Program and Rachel Carson College. He led or played an active role in many green initiatives at the university including UB Green, a program designed to involve students in alternative energy projects. He retired from UB in 2008.