As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rachel Beech worked as an orientation leader, helping students adapt to their new space. 

Beech enjoyed that role so much, she asked the question, “How do I do this for real?”

That passion for helping students has only grown throughout a career in higher education, and it’s a passion Beech brings to Miami University as the new vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Miami community,” Beech said. “It has been an amazing experience, and throughout the whole process everyone has been so warm and excited. I’m eager to tap into that and see how I can help Miami be the best version of itself.”

Beech starts in her new role on April 15.

As associate vice president of Enrollment Management for California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB), Beech has served as the chief enrollment officer with an oversight of five department directors and 90 professional staff.

Beech also is part of the Academic Affairs leadership team at CSUSB with responsibilities for the departments of Outreach and Student Recruitment, Admissions Operations, Orientation and Transition Programs, Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Office of the Registrar.

Prior to joining CSUSB, Beech held several positions at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University from 2002-2016. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin and obtained master and doctoral degrees from Arizona State.

“Enrollment and student success is vital to the strength and achievements of a university,” Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. “I am thrilled that Rachel Beech will be joining the Miami community and building on the achievements of the EMSS team. Rachel brings immeasurable expertise and insight in enrollment management and student retention and will be a tremendous asset for both the university and our students.”

Growing up in the north suburbs of Chicago, Beech knew a number of friends who attended Miami University.

While Beech heard good things about the school in Oxford, Ohio, she did not get a chance to visit it personally until the interview process. 

“I knew Miami as a place where people went and really enjoyed and thrived in their experience,” Beech said. “Knowing there was an opportunity to step into a role there to help students see themselves as part of that community was too good of an opportunity to pass up. 

“Miami has such a strong sense of identity,” Beech added. “I want to help students connect to that in a world that is changing, to help them be part of something that is more than themselves.”

Beech replaces Brent Shock, who will remain as a special assistant to the president for strategic planning through the spring semester.