Dr. Ronald Beer was born and raised in Cissna Park, Illinois, a small community of 850 people. As the second of seven children, he spent his youth managing a paper route and raising animals. A scholarship from the Gannett Newspaper Company enabled him to attend college, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education from Illinois State University, a masters in Counseling and Guidance from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. At Kent State, he met his wife, Cara Brunst, with whom he will celebrate 60 years of marriage in December. They have three children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

 

Dr. Beer’s career includes serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at Oklahoma State University from 1980-2000, Vice Chancellor for Educational and Student Services at the University of Nebraska-Omaha from 1972-1980, and holding multiple leadership roles at Kent State University from 1961-1972, including during the tragic events of May 4, 1970. In 2013, OSU President Burns Hargis invited Dr. Beer to create and serve as the first Director of the Ombudsperson position.

 

His extensive community involvement includes serving on numerous boards, such as the YMCA, Stillwater United Way, and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. He is a founding member of Habitat for Humanity in Stillwater and has been a leader with Our Daily Bread, Stillwater’s food pantry. Dr. Beer also helped establish OSU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and was instrumental in developing Legacy Village Stillwater, a retirement community.

 

Recognized for his service, Dr. Beer has received many honors, including the NASPA Pillar of the Profession Award, the OSU President’s Service Award, and the Stillwater Rotary Club Citizen of the Year Award.