'Stunning and devastating news': Jay Byers, president of Simpson College, dies at 54
Jay Byers, the president of Simpson College in Indianola, has died at age 54, the college confirmed on Thursday.
Byers, a 1993 graduate of the college, had been president at Simpson since July 2023. Prior to that, he was the CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the college’s Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley, said a wellness check was conducted at the president’s residence, known as the Sigler House, shortly before noon when Byers missed a scheduled Zoom meeting. Handley said this was "extremely unusual" for Byers to miss a meeting. That was where Byers was found deceased.
“This is stunning and devastating news to all of us on campus,” Handley said.
The Indianola chief of police said Byers’ death is currently under investigation, but authorities do not believe a criminal act contributed to his death.
Handley said Simpson classes have been canceled for Friday, and grief counselors will be available for students and staff.
“Jay Byers had tremendous passion for Simpson College,” Handley said. “Jay loved this place. He loved everyone associated with Simpson College.”
Handley said he was part of the search committee to hire a new president two years ago and Byers stood out from the other "wonderful candidates."
"Jay certainly rose above, and that passion, that love of Simpson is infectious, and that was a huge reason for Jay being chosen as president," Handley said. "His personality, his conviction, his passion for the people here on campus, for what Simpson College meant to him, and the future of Simpson College, his experience as a student. It was his vision that current students and future students could have that same experience. It was all about setting our students up for success, so Jay put everyone else ahead of himself. He was here to serve Simpson College to the best of his ability, and I know he did that."
Byers was hospitalized for about three days following a serious car crash in Des Moines last June. After being released from the hospital, Byers continued recovering at home until he returned to work in mid-August.
Byers leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
Prior to his position at Simpson, Byers was the CEO at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, where he and current CEO Tiffany Tauscheck became close friends. She shared this statement with vlog:
"We are heartbroken by the terrible news of Jay’s passing. Jay was a transformational leader for Greater Des Moines and for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. He continuously shaped the future through his bold ideas and strategic vision. Jay believed deeply in the power of kindness, optimism and community. He was a friend to everyone and a genuinely wonderful person. His positive impact cannot be properly summed up in words, rather it will be seen and felt by many for decades to come through the numerous people, projects, events and ideas he believed in and supported. His friendship, guidance and belief in me, The Partnership, and our community will not be forgotten. Jay was simply the best and we will miss him deeply. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time."
Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson, who is also a 1977 graduate of Simpson College, shared this statement:
“Jay Byers epitomized everything Simpson College is all about: A solid education that teaches leadership skills and personal relationships. Not only will Jay be greatly missed at Simpson College, but his leadership will be missed by the entire Indianola and Greater Des Moines Metro community. Our prayers go out to his family.”
WATCH: Full press conference after death of Simpson College President Jay Byers
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