Roger Beckett Named Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center

Roger L. Beckett has been named Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, effective June 1.

Beckett, who is a 1996 graduate of Ashland University and the Ashbrook Scholar program, has held several positions at the Ashbrook Center. He currently serves as Deputy Director, where he oversees the operation of the Center’s programs and finances. Beckett also received a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University in 1997.

“The Ashbrook Board conducted a national search for our new Executive Director,” said Marvin J. Krinsky, Chair of the Ashbrook Board. “Several impressive candidates, including Roger, applied for the position. After a thorough review of all the candidates, the Board unanimously approved Roger’s selection. He has been critical to the growth and success of the Ashbrook Center over the past 16 years, and we are pleased he will be at the helm providing the leadership needed to accomplish even greater things in the future.”

Since joining the Ashbrook staff in 1997, Beckett has been pivotal in growing the Center into a national leader in offering civic education programs for students and teachers. Beckett led the effort to create Ashbrook’s Master of Arts degree in American History and Government, both online and at Ashland University, as well as online continuing education classes, and webinars for middle and high school history teachers to strengthen their understanding of America’s Founding.

Beckett has also played a central role in the fundraising operations of Ashbrook; he was heavily involved in the planning of the Center’s current $15.25 million campaign, and he has had an integral role in raising over $16.9 million for the Ashbrook Center.

”I am honored to lead this organization that has such a strong 30 year track record, ” said Beckett. “But as a country, we are not doing enough to teach our children about America and why it is exceptional. By expanding Ashbrook’s programs for teachers and students, we will improve the way that American history and civics is taught in our country.”

In 2012, Beckett was appointed by the Ohio Legislature to be a member of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission and serves as Chair of the Public Education and Information Committee. Among other activities, Beckett serves as the campaign treasurer for Ohio State Senator Larry Obhof, and the Ohio Governor appointed him to the Ohio Humanities Council in 2007.

Beckett replaces Dr. Peter Schramm, who retired as executive director and will continue to teach as professor of political science at Ashland University and hold the positions of Ashbrook Senior Fellow and Director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program.

The Ashbrook Center, an independent center at Ashland University, restores and strengthens the capacities of the American people for constitutional self-government. The Center teaches students and teachers across our country why America is exceptional and what America represents in the long history of the world. Ashbrook creates informed patriots.