Academics and athletics are two completely different elements of a college. However, some staff members seem to be able to do them both.
Brian Beacham, Cabrini’s assistant athletic director, has been able to handle the responsibility as an adjunct professor as well. Keeping everyone in line in the athletic department is a lot of responsibility considering he helps over see both men and women’s athletics. Also, there are events such as pep rallys and meetings he has to help run. For example, he always hosts the annual Halloween Havoc and dresses as someone different each year. This year he put on a blonde wig and high shorts to play Zack Morris from “Saved By the Bell.” When he’s not dressing up as famous sitcom stars, Beacham also keeps tabs on social media with sports updates for fans to follow.
Beacham’s responsibilities do not stop there. As an adjunct for the college, he teaches two of the sports communication classes. Balancing his responsibilities as an adjunct and an assistant athletic director can get overwhelming. However, his passion for what he does makes it worth it.
“This is my fifth year doing this,” Beacham said. “I kind of have the courses in a place where it’s almost a routine for me. So I can obviously do my day-to-day job and still put enough effort into those classes that it is new and effective.”
Beacham works as the assistant athletic director 12 months a year. Whereas his adjunct position is only in effect during academic year.
“So when I’m in semester and also doing adjunct faculty stuff, I really just have to make sure I balance my time,” Beacham said.
Beacham says that with his athletics position he can put into almost 50 to 60 hours a week. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it,” Beacham said.
Beacham started his athletic administration career doing a lot of public relations work. His twitter page is always updated with statistics and scores of each athletic team. When offered the position as an adjunct in sports communication, he obliged willingly.
“I actually get an opportunity to work with students in an area that I feel I am a professional in. So, that’s an added bonus,” Beacham said.
Dealing with students on the field and courts is a totally different atmosphere than in the classroom. There are concerns of favoritism towards his athletes. However, Beacham says that he does not like to treat them any differently than any other student. He likes to keep it a level playing field so no matter what role a student may play on campus, they have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Athletics and fitness is an outlet for most people. “For the folks that I work with day-to-day in athletics, I think we’re pretty relaxed people.” He adds, “When we’re doing the teaching thing, it is in areas that we are very well-versed in and knowledgeable in so I don’t think it’s too stressful of a job.”
Beacham says he loves the perks of his role in athletics. Getting to travel with the teams is something he loves to do. The summers are laid back and exciting. Despite having to balance two different jobs on campus, he enjoys every moment.
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