The Simpson College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Jay Byers as the 25th President of Simpson College. The decision comes after a months-long search beginning in January of 2021. Byers, who currently serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, will take up his new role at Simpson College in August of 2021.
Byers is an alumnus of Simpson College, having graduated in 1996 with a degree in political science. He also received an MBA from the University of Iowa in 2005. He has held his current position at the Greater Des Moines Partnership since 2013 and has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach and impact in the Des Moines area.
The search for the 25th president of Simpson College was officially concluded on May 12, with the college's Board of Trustees naming an alumnus of the college to the position. Byers will be taking over from Marsha Kelliher, who served as Simpson College's president from 2013 until her resignation in 2020.
Simpson College is a private liberal arts college located in Indianola, Iowa. The college has a student body of around 1,200 full-time students and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Byers will be tasked with leading the college into its next phase of growth and development.
In a statement released by Simpson College, Byers expressed his excitement at the opportunity to lead the institution where he received his undergraduate education. He stated that he believes that Simpson College has the potential to become the best small liberal arts college in the country and that he is committed to working with the faculty, staff, and students to achieve this goal.
Byers has a strong background in economic development and has been recognized as a leader in this field. He has also been involved in a number of community organizations and has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations.
The appointment of Byers as the 25th president of Simpson College is a significant moment for the institution. The college has a long history of providing high-quality education to students in Iowa and beyond, and Byers will be tasked with ensuring that this tradition continues well into the future.
Overall, the appointment of Jay Byers as the 25th President of Simpson College is a positive development for the institution and for the wider community. Byers brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and his commitment to the college and its mission is clear. The future looks bright for Simpson College under his leadership.
