Bill Beekman is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Michigan State University. He previously served the university as Vice President, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and both Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees. He earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. He is a James Madison College alum, graduating in 1989 with a degree in Justice, Morality and Constitutional Democracy.
Did you grow up in the Lansing area?
I grew up in downtown Lansing (a few blocks behind the Green Door Bar, for those who know Lansing) until I was about 10-years old. Then, my parents moved out to Okemos, so I went to high school in Okemos. Even when I was in law school at Wayne State, I was home most weekends. I love this community and all it has to offer and, at this point in life, I don’t think I’ll ever leave.
What does it mean to be the VP for Strategic Initiatives?
The VP for Strategic Initiatives is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the university’s strategic planning process. I work with the leaders of our six theme areas as well as the deans, who each lead a college strategic plan. It’s a role that makes good use of the skills I learned in Madison — how to work with a team, negotiation, persuasion — as I’m responsible for a project in which all the team members responsible for implementing the plan report to other people.
What is a favorite memory from your time at JMC?
My best Madison memories focus on people. I’ll never forget the kindness of Professors Esquith, Hoekstra and Stokes. Or the indomitable spirit of Bob Banks, Barb Steidle and Dixie Platt. Also, the great friendships made up on 6 North where I lived for two years. And, most importantly, I met my wife, Cindy, in Case Hall — the best thing that ever happened to me!
What lessons from your time at Madison do you see in your professional career?
I use the skills I learned in Madison every day: how to listen as objectively as possible to understand the facts before crafting your own argument or position; how to look at a problem from different viewpoints and perspectives; how to constructively engage in a conversation with someone who sees the world differently than you do and, whether you end up ultimately agreeing or not, being able to maintain a friendship.
What advice do you have for graduating Madisonians?
My advice to graduating Madisonians could fill more than a few pages. I’m excited to have the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with our graduates in-person at commencement this year. But, in short, my advice is: Work hard (there are a lot of things you can’t control, but you can control your commitment), play hard (life isn’t all about work, enjoy your family and friends), listen more than you speak, and be grateful (even during the rough patches, we have so much to be grateful for).