By Brandon Byrd
Luke Beach works in Rochester University’s Advising and Career Services Center as an academic adviser for accelerated learning students. He also teaches as an adjunct professor for the sports management program.
Why did you choose to work at RU?
"I had a really good relationship with Coach [Klint] Pleasant and Scott Samuels, and I was ready to move into higher education after being in public education for over 10 years. Those relationships and the opportunity to work for a university that truly cares about its students seemed like a perfect fit."
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
"I literally get to build relationships and help students every single day. I actually get to make a difference every day in someone's life. No better reward."
What do you do outside your job to relieve stress?
"This is a wonderful profession, but it weighs on you. I spend a lot of time with friends and family. I am blessed to have a beautiful and brilliant wife and a sweet and sassy 6-year-old daughter, so I soak up that time as much as I can. I love to fish; that's a hobby where I can just lose myself in nature and not think about anything. I grew up in the south, so these cold winters, I'll never acclimate. LOL."
What is your favorite thing to do In the Rochester area? Or in Michigan?
"I love downtown Rochester; I live in Rochester Hills, so I love fishing, going to the parks, and visiting downtown."
What is your most prized possession?
"My family, without question. Nothing more important."
What is your most embarrassing moment?
"So many. I don't take myself too seriously, and I believe you have to be able to laugh at yourself, something I am trying to teach my daughter who can be really serious. I was on a ski trip with friends, and we rented a really nice cabin. In the front, there was a pond. I thought it would be a good idea to ice skate on it, even though they warned me not to. I fell through pretty much instantly."
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
"I grew up in government apartments for a good part of my childhood. We were below the poverty line, in an area that could be dangerous at times. Not being a statistic or succumbing to the bad influences around me helped me to develop a strong drive to rise above it all. I am the only one in my immediate family to obtain an undergraduate and graduate degree."
What is a random fun fact about you?
"I was named the National Athletic Director of the Year in 2017, and National 40 Under 40 in 2018 by Coach and AD Magazine."
What single piece of advice would you give to students today?
“Enjoy the process. We are so eager to get to the finish line that we often fail to enjoy the process that leads us to that moment.”