The Unexpected Passing of Simpson College President Jay Byers
The Simpson College community is in mourning following the unexpected death of President Jay Byers, 54, on April 17, 2025. Byers was found dead at the Sigler House, the president's residence near campus, after a welfare check was conducted around noon that day. His passing has left a profound void in the college and the wider Des Moines community.
A Respected Leader and Alumnus
Jay Byers was a 1993 graduate of Simpson College and had served as president since July 2023. Prior to his appointment, he was the president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership for 11 years, a regional economic development agency. He also served on Simpson's Board of Trustees for 11 years.
Terry Handley, Chair of the Simpson Board of Trustees, expressed the shock and devastation felt by the entire college. "This is stunning and devastating news to all of us here on campus," he said. "We are all in shock. This is not something that you expect."
Handley noted that Byers was beloved on campus and in the greater Des Moines community, and had a tremendous amount of influence and impact during his career. "Jay was also well known and beloved on a state level, federal level with his work in government. So Jay has had a tremendous amount of influence and impact during his career."
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
According to Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher, the cause of death is under investigation, but there is no reason to suspect foul play. Sher provided no further comment due to the open investigation into the incident. Byers had suffered injuries in a serious automobile accident last June but had recovered and resumed his duties.
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Handley said he had asked college staff to check on Byers with the help of Indianola police after Byers missed a scheduled morning Zoom meeting, "which was extremely unusual."
Impact on the Simpson College Community
The news of Byers' death has deeply affected the Simpson College community. Classes were canceled on April 18, and grief counselors have been made available for students and staff. The college is taking time to grieve and recover from this loss.
Handley has been named acting president of Simpson College, effective immediately. The board and other college officials are discussing who will take over interim presidential duties.
Handley said Byers’ love and passion for the Simpson campus and community was “infectious,” and helped him rise above other candidates during the presidential search. “Jay has had a tremendous amount of influence and impact during his career, and this will take some time, but we will take that time to grieve, we will take our time to recover, and then we will move forward,” Handley said.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Jay Byers was described as a gifted leader, a visionary public servant, and a devoted graduate of Simpson College. His commitment to Simpson as a United Methodist-related institution was not only professional but deeply personal. Throughout his life, Byers used his many gifts to serve the common good-whether through civic leadership, education, or the nurturing of strong community partnerships.
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Bishop Kennetha J. of the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church gave thanks for Jay’s life and witness. "I am grateful for the many lives he touched, including Simpson students and alumni, faculty and staff, church members and those involved with programs such as the Simpson Youth Academy."
Gene Meyer, a former president of the Partnership who worked with Byers for nearly a decade, said, “Jay was a personal friend and a tremendous community leader, who made such a difference in the greater Des Moines region." He described Byers as “caring, thoughtful, kind, engaged and extremely well-read," adding, “He was interested in all kinds of things, not just what he did for a living.”
Meyer said Byers loved leading Simpson College. As the Partnership’s CEO, Byers listened to what members of the economic development group wanted. "He tried to understand everyone’s point of view, and move this region forward,” he said.
Contributions to Des Moines
Byers was well known in the Des Moines metro for his 11 years as CEO for the Greater Des Moines Partnership and for several years before that as its respected expert on government affairs.
In a news release announcing Byers' move to Simpson, Greater Des Moines Partnership officials credited him with overseeing an expansion of the group. At the time, the group was still working to convert the Western Gateway from a collection of mechanics' shops and car dealerships. It's now the site of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, one of many downtown Des Moines projects that received state support, as well as corporate headquarters, the architecturally distinctive central library, and fashionable restaurants.
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Last year, the Des Moines Business Record named Byers a top 25 influential leader.
Remembering Jay Byers
The Simpson College community is honoring the life and legacy of President Jay Byers. A page has been dedicated to providing important information and updates in the wake of his passing. This includes details about memorial services, campus tributes, and ways to honor his life, as well as updates on leadership transitions and other college logistics during this time of change.
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