Will Beasley (’11) began work as chief of staff for the president’s office at Abilene Christian University July 11. He will work alongside Suzanne Allmon, senior advisor to the president, until her retirement in May 2023.
The chief of staff role, renamed from the previous term of “senior advisor to the president,” is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the president’s office. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the chief of staff manages projects and communication with internal and external stakeholders, and provides support for the president’s fundraising efforts.
For the last three years, Beasley practiced law as a litigation associate at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. in Knoxville, Tennessee. Prior to that, he worked at ACU as assistant director of Leadership Camps, admissions counselor and associate director of recruiting. He graduated from ACU in 2011 and received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 2019.
“Will is an outstanding fit for Abilene Christian, having been here as a student and as part of our admissions team before going to law school in Tennessee,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “His operational and legal experience, along with his understanding of our mission, will make him an asset to our leadership team.”
Beasley will replace Allmon upon her retirement May 31, 2023. At that time, she will have accumulated 30 total years of service at the university – 24 consecutive years and 13 in her current role. A 1979 graduate of ACU, Allmon began working at her alma mater in 1980 and for the next six years held various administrative positions on campus. From 1986-99 she worked with the Baylor University Medical Center Foundation, Asbury Methodist Village and Sears Methodist Retirement System. She returned to ACU in 1999 and led the human resources division of the university as director and then associate vice president before taking on the role of senior advisor to the president in 2010.
“Suzanne has been an invaluable asset to ACU and to our administrative team for many years. Her loyalty and commitment to ACU and all that we strive to accomplish here will leave a lasting impact. And on a personal note, I can’t imagine having been able to navigate this journey over the past 12 years without Suzanne’s partnership – she’s a trusted advisor and an amazing friend. I’m going to miss her,” Schubert said. “With her pending retirement after 13 years in this role, I’m pleased to be able to bring Will in now so the two can collaborate over the next year and ensure a smooth transition.”
– Wendy Kilmer
July 13, 2022