President Byers Dies

The following message is from Simpson College Board of Trustees Chair Terry Handley

To our campus community:

We have sad news to share with you: This morning, Simpson College President Jay Byers had missed some meetings, which was very unusual. Shortly before noon, a wellness check was performed at the president’s residence, Sigler House, where he was found deceased.

This is stunning and devastating news.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to share our heartfelt condolences to the many people who knew and loved President Byers, including his family, friends and Simpson family. President Byers was also an alumnus, graduating in 1993.

All classes at Simpson will be cancelled tomorrow and grief counselors will be available for our students and staff.

We are working closely with local officials as they investigate the matter.

We are stunned and we will be grieving. Next week we will come together to share additional details about how we move forward.

Until then, please join me in keeping President Byers’s family and close friends in our thoughts as they navigate this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Terry Handley
Board Chair
Simpson College Board of Trustees