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Michigan State AD Bill Beekman steps down, Spartans begin national search
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After more than three years in the role full-time, Michigan State Spartans Director of Athletics Bill Beekman announced Thursday he is stepping down.
He will continue to hold the position in an interim capacity as the school undergoes a national search for his replacement, then transition to a role in the President’s Office.
Bill Beekman is stepping down as Michigan State's athletic director. He will remain in the position in an interim capacity as the school undergoes a national search for his replacement and then move into the president's office.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 5, 2021
Quote from Bill Beekman in the MSU release. pic.twitter.com/JCn5T0AK1z
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 5, 2021
Taking over for Mark Hollis on an interim basis on February 5, 2018, Beekman assumed the role full-time on July 17 of that year.
A Michigan State alumnus, he has served his alma mater since 1995, including previous stints as Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Executive Director of the MSU Alumni Association, and Senior Advisor to the Provost.
Amid the Larry Nassar scandal, he also held the title of acting President at the school in January 2018.
On the football side of his duties, Beekman helped lure Mel Tucker away from the Colorado Buffaloes in February 2020 following Mark Dantonio’s retirement.
Tucker’s first season in East Lansing resulted in a 2-5 record, but the Spartans did upset the rival Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor for the coach’s first victory at the school on Halloween.
Michigan State is scheduled to begin their 2021 campaign on Friday, September 3 against the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston at 9 p.m. ET.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.