Rick Beasley Announces Retirement

[HkyMtneer]

I received the following a few moments ago, and thought I would go ahead and pass it along to the MMB. It was noted this information will be released in the next little bit publicly so I feel comfortable sharing to all of my Mountaineer brethren who live and breathe black & gold.

Beasley Announces Retirement

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University deputy athletics director Rick Beasley announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 30.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I announce this decision,” Beasley said. “On one hand, I look forward to what the next chapter of my life holds after 33 years of public service. On the other hand, I love Appalachian State. It was particularly hard to make the decision to step away at this time because I am so excited about the future of the department under the leadership of (athletics director) Doug Gillin.”

“I have sincerely and thoroughly enjoyed working with Doug over the past couple of months,” Beasley continued. “I look forward to continuing to assist in any way that I can to make his transition to the university and his family’s transition to the community a smooth one. Appalachian State athletics will flourish under his leadership and I plan to be around often as it does!”

“Finally, over the next two months, it is my primary goal to help the Yosef Club reach the $3 million mark for annual donations once again,” Beasley concluded. “Thanks to the support of App Nation, we are close to reaching that milestone and we’ll all work tirelessly until it is achieved.”

Beasley joined the Appalachian athletics staff in 2006 as a senior associate athletics director and was promoted to deputy athletics director in 2014. In his role, Beasley served as the athletics department’s chief development officer and was heavily involved in the department’s day-to-day operations.

Appalachian athletics enjoyed unprecedented fundraising success under Beasley’s leadership. After never topping $700,000 in any full year prior to his arrival, the Yosef Club (Appalachian athletics’ fundraising arm) has raised at least $1 million in each of Beasley’s nine full years at the university and surpassed the $3 million mark in 2013 and 2014.

Additionally, Beasley has overseen the solicitation of donations for naming rights and premium seating that has funded much of Appalachian’s $50 million in athletics facility enhancements since his arrival.

He served as interim director of athletics from August 15, 2014 until Gillin’s arrival last month.

“Rick informed me of his decision to retire on Monday,” Gillin said. “While I wish that I could have worked with him longer, I understand his decision and wish him and his wife, Diana, nothing but the best as they enter a new chapter in their lives together.”

“In the short time that I’ve known him, I have learned that Rick is a man of great integrity and valued member of the University, the athletics department and the community,” Gillin continued. “He has achieved great things as both a student-athlete and a staff member. On behalf of the Appalachian family, I congratulate him on his retirement and look forward to seeing him at Mountaineer games this fall and beyond!”

An All-America wide receiver at Appalachian from 1977-80, Beasley set seven school records during his playing career and remains the program’s all-time leader in yards per reception (17.6) and 100-yard games (16) in a career. In addition to being named a second-team Associated Press All-American in 1979, he was also the Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year in 1979-80, a three-time all-conference performer and an academic all-conference honoree.

For 17 years prior to his return to Appalachian (1989-2006), Beasley served as the city manager for Conover, N.C. As city manager, he served at the pleasure of the city council and was responsible for the administration of all city departments. Beasley was also the town manager of Scotland Neck, N.C. (1985-89) and an assistant city manager in Lenoir, N.C. (1982-85).

Beasley earned both a B.A. in political science with a minor in economics and a M.A. with a concentration in local government from Appalachian. His wife, Diana, is director of teacher education recruitment for the Appalachian office of admissions. She earned a M.A. in higher education administration and university and community leadership from Appalachian.

[bcoach]

I just received the same e-mail. Really sorry to see him go. He is a good guy and more talented then some have given him credit for.

[Rekdiver]

I love Rick...but he could have given us a year. Retires after he doesn't get the AD job. I have mixed feelings about this. I appreciate all he's done but the timing seems sour grapeish.

[SpeedkingATL]

Rick's positive energy and smile will be missed and he brought a real personal touch to the job. All the best to him in retirement.

[AppGrad78]

Rick gave us exactly what we needed, a bridge between an unpopular AD whose tenure at App was certain to end one way or another and our new AD, Doug GIllin. Rick's exit was graceful and dignified. His timing was spot-on. Here's wishing him great success in whatever his future holds.

[asutrnr81]

I hope this is a good thing......After this weekend i have my doubts.

[JTApps1]

I hope this is a good thing......After this weekend i have my doubts.

What is that supposed to mean???

[Saint3333]

I was hoping Rick would stay in the department. Good guy and glad to have had the opportunity to work with him with the Yosef Club. I hope to see him often on the mountain. Thanks Rick and good luck whatever you choose to do next.

[proasu89]

I love Rick...but he could have given us a year. Retires after he doesn't get the AD job. I have mixed feelings about this. I appreciate all he's done but the timing seems sour grapeish.

I don't know much but I do know that he gave his all for Appalachian. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until you know for sure if it's sour grapes?

[Rekdiver]

We all know Rick was dissappointed not being named AD. I too had hoped he would stay on. All I did was " wonder" out loud. You have to admit that someone covets a job then doesn't get selected then announces retirement after a couple of months.... May not be sour grapes just extreme disappointment. I also wonder if this might be the first of a gentle housecleaning? At least Rick can drink a beer or 2 at a tailgate now without a coat and tie.

[appst89]

I hope this is a good thing......After this weekend i have my doubts.

????????????????????????

[AtlantaMountaineer]

While I am not a Boone local nor a large donor, Rick Beasley always went out of his way to speak at App football games and other Yosef Club events. He was always friendly, professional and a truly nice guy. At the recent Yosef Tour in Atlanta after seeing my name tag he thanked me for my recent legacy gift to the Yosef Club, as small as it was. I was really surprised and impressed that he would know about it by my name only. Sometimes, when a new leader is brought in, others resign so the new guy can bring in his own people. Rick will be a big loss for Appalachian and I wish him only the best in his future endeavors.

[EastHallApp]

I love Rick...but he could have given us a year. Retires after he doesn't get the AD job. I have mixed feelings about this. I appreciate all he's done but the timing seems sour grapeish.

I don't know much but I do know that he gave his all for Appalachian. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until you know for sure if it's sour grapes?

Or better yet, give him a break even if it is sour grapes. He's human, he's allowed to be disappointed if he didn't get a job he really wanted. Not even a hint of public negativity toward App as far as I can tell. It's his life, maybe he wants to try something else or make a little more money before he really retires.

[AppGrad1]

He's earned his Retirement. He can do what he wants to do. He doesn't owe anyone anything especially a transition year if he is ready to go.
Congrats Rick!

[WataugaMan]

Rick and I attended App at approximatley the same time. Thus, we are approximately the same age.

Rick, if you're reading this: "Hold up man, I'm right behind you. I'm hanging it up in July myself, it's time for something new. I understand where you're coming from, for sure!"

[Rekdiver]

I love Rick...but he could have given us a year. Retires after he doesn't get the AD job. I have mixed feelings about this. I appreciate all he's done but the timing seems sour grapeish.

I don't know much but I do know that he gave his all for Appalachian. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until you know for sure if it's sour grapes?

Or better yet, give him a break even if it is sour grapes. He's human, he's allowed to be disappointed if he didn't get a job he really wanted. Not even a hint of public negativity toward App as far as I can tell. It's his life, maybe he wants to try something else or make a little more money before he really retires.

Jesus, you two are defensive.... All I did was make a comment. I didn't demean Rick, question his legacy, his contribution to App or his being human ... just made an observation. I think that is still allowed?

[Dmanuhone]

Sometimes it's best to say nothing.

[fjblair]

What a great guy and asset for ASU. I really think this is a big loss and we need him around.

[proasu89]

I love Rick...but he could have given us a year. Retires after he doesn't get the AD job. I have mixed feelings about this. I appreciate all he's done but the timing seems sour grapeish.

I don't know much but I do know that he gave his all for Appalachian. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt until you know for sure if it's sour grapes?

Or better yet, give him a break even if it is sour grapes. He's human, he's allowed to be disappointed if he didn't get a job he really wanted. Not even a hint of public negativity toward App as far as I can tell. It's his life, maybe he wants to try something else or make a little more money before he really retires.

Jesus, you two are defensive.... All I did was make a comment. I didn't demean Rick, question his legacy, his contribution to App or his being human ... just made an observation. I think that is still allowed?

I've been called a lot of things but I've never been called Jesus! No worries, we see it differently and commented as such.

[Rekdiver]

Ok Ok....The jury will disregard my comments..........I'll still drink some beer with Rick