When Randy Beachy arrived at McMurry University, he did so without a clear direction, but with a brother’s encouragement and a spirit open to discovery, he would find not just a degree, but a calling. What began as a temporary visit to Texas became a transformational experience that shaped decades of service in education, ministry, and leadership, and ultimately led him back to working side-by-side with that very same brother.
A native of Ohio, Randy was unsure of his path following high school. At his brother Bill’s urging, he agreed to give McMurry “just a year.” But that year became much more.
Initially enrolled as a business major, Randy quickly became involved in campus life, joining Chanters (thanks again to Bill’s prodding), becoming a charter member of Makona, participating in RSL and Phi Beta Lambda (a national business club), and working to support himself during school. Though homesickness was real, he fondly remembers how even Texas state parks didn’t quite feel like home, McMurry’s welcoming environment and enduring friendships made a lasting impact.
He graduated in August of 1980 with a degree in Business Administration.
After graduation, Randy planned to return to Ohio, but an unexpected opportunity at McMurry’s admissions office changed his course. There, he discovered a love for working with students, a passion that would become the foundation for a lifelong career in higher education.
His journey led him through roles in enrollment management, marketing, and financial aid leadership positions at institutions such as Denison University, Butler University, Illinois College, and Bethel University. Along the way, he earned his master’s in Higher Education Administration from Miami University in Ohio and an MBA from Bethel University. Randy also stepped into the classroom, serving as an adjunct professor in marketing and business.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, he transitioned into the non-profit education space as Executive Director of The Excel Center, a charter high school for adult learners. Under his leadership, the school expanded to two locations, received substantial grant funding, and helped hundreds of students chart new paths.
Even as his career evolved, Randy maintained a steady presence in his community, serving on YMCA and church boards, co-founder of an athletic program for home school students, and supporting individuals with special needs.
After a successful stint as a Senior Marketing Manager at Everence Financial, Randy received a call from his brother Bill, the same brother who once encouraged him to try Chanters. Bill had launched The Beachy Group, a firm focused on leadership development, strengths coaching, and team-building for both nonprofits and corporate clients. He invited Randy to join him.
Bringing with him decades of expertise in marketing and people development, Randy became a certified coach and took on key responsibilities in shaping the organization’s digital presence, including social media and web content.
Today, the Beachy brothers work side-by-side, guiding leaders and organizations toward healthier cultures and stronger teams. Randy’s heart for mentorship, encouragement, and lifelong learning remains at the center of it all.
For current students and fellow alumni, Randy offers sage advice:
“Keep learning—always. Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to follow what grabs your interest. Opportunities tend to show up when you’re not expecting them. Pray about where you’re headed. Pay attention to how God made you. Do more of what brings you joy. And whatever you do, be intentional with your work and your relationships .”
From a student unsure of his path to a leader shaping others’ futures, Randy Beachy embodies the transformative power of purpose and the value of saying “yes” to something new, even when you’re not sure where it leads.
For more information regarding the Beachy Group, visit their page.
Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We’d love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at alumni@mcm.edu to schedule an interview.