Tyler Simmons Education Fund

Aim

In Lieu of Flowers: Tyler Simmons Education Fund

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Heather Simmons: Aggie, Veterinarian, Global Leader in Zoonotic Disease Prevention

We are heartbroken to share that our beloved wife, mother, and extraordinary veterinarian, Dr. Heather Simmons has passed away tragically. Heather was a proud Texas A&M Aggie (DVM, Class of 2006) whose life’s work touched countless lives through her dedication to preventing zoonotic infectious diseases.

As a DVM with advanced training in epidemiology and public health, Heather served internationally and rose to become Director of the Texas A&M Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD). In that role she led groundbreaking efforts in animal health, biological threat reduction, and global preparedness—work that strengthened public health systems here in Texas, across the Americas, and around the world. She was a passionate advocate for the veterinary profession and for the power of education.

Heather leaves behind her husband and their son, Tyler Simmons, who just completed his first year at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. Tyler is carrying forward the Aggie family tradition with pride, and we are deeply proud of the young man he is becoming.

In lieu of flowers or food, we ask that you consider a gift to the Simmons Educational Fund. This fund was established to support Tyler’s continued education at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School and to help him complete his degree as a proud Aggie. Donations in Heather’s memory will directly honor her lifelong commitment to education and the Aggie spirit while helping secure Tyler’s future at the university she loved so much.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps keep Heather’s legacy alive—advancing the Aggie values she lived by and supporting her son Tyler as he follows in her footsteps at Texas A&M.

Thank you for standing with our family during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express. Gig ’em, Heather—we love you and we will carry your light forward.

With gratitude,   

The Simmons Family

This project successfully funded on 18th June 2026