25 Years of Service: Marsha Beal

Compliance Lieutenant, Office of Campus Safety

previousnext

An award titled “years of service” could not be more aptly named for an employee like Marsha Beal, for she has truly spent 25 years of her career being of service to others at Andrews University. She has dedicated her time, skills and heart to those placed in her care.

While some may think Marsha is new to Campus Safety, she’s actually only returning to the fold, first working here in 1993 as a dispatcher/office manager. Since then, Marsha worked for the Center for Distance Learning (2003–2011) and then the School of Distance Education (2011–2022), and in 2022 returned to Campus Safety, this time as our compliance lieutenant.

Through her career Marsha has been dedicated to education, both in developing herself through multiple degrees/certifications and then teaching others; from students in the classroom, to faculty on online learning tools, and even helping train new hires at new employee orientation or in customer service/Advanced Connections. And now back at Campus Safety, she’s teaching our entire campus community on how to be safe, both in our daily work and in an emergency.

From Randy Siebold:“I speak for many faculty and untold students when I say; We are grateful for your creative, timely and faithful service to Andrews University. Your many successful efforts have not gone unnoticed and unappreciated.”

From Janine Lim: “I know God continues to use you to impact global Adventist education. May you always know how precious you are to Him, to Andrews, and to everyone you serve.”

But Marsha’s passion for education does not stop at our classrooms or offices, it extends to our future students and church leaders involved in Pathfinders.

From Jennifer Burrill:“In the outside-of-work realm, Marsha commits tons of time and energy to leading a very vibrant Pathfinder club. The children love and respect her. Her leadership is inspirational and brings children from all over the district due to her unique leadership style. She has the perfect blend of accountability, humor and love. The number of lives she has impacted for Jesus in her role in church cannot be counted.

At work, Marsha brings the same energy and humor. She is not hesitant to share ideas and collaborate and is a team player. I’ve appreciated her contributions on Staff Senate.”

Through her 25 years Marsha has demonstrated an impressive work ethic and even taken us to new territory—from helping Campus Safety start our first 24/7 dispatch operation in the 90s, to being the first director of the University’s Center for Digital Learning & Instructional Technology in 2003. Through it all, what has consistently stood out the most? That Marsha commits her entire self to the task, her humanity and her faith.

Marsha is quick to volunteer to cover someone’s shift, make a meal to share, or even bring some emotional support through her Norwegian Elkhound, Harrison. Marsha will stop everything to make sure someone has a listening ear or even a shoulder to cry on. No matter how small or large the matter, Marsha is quick to take it to God in prayer. Regardless of the topic, Marsha asks of herself and others that we consider the personal impact, that our decisions and actions reflect the care and grace shown to all of us by our Maker.

From Lori Adler:Marsha has been a true best friend to me for the past 38 years. In so many ways, she is my kindred spirit, my soulmate. We trust each other with our secrets, our joys, our sorrows and our lives. We plan on spending eternity being best friends, and I count myself so very blessed!!

I’m not sure that we’ll be able to get Marsha to stay for another 25 years and miss out on her future retirement, but I am sure that for every year that she stays, the University will be richly blessed.

Congratulations, Marsha, on 25 years! It’s an honor to be part of your story and I’m excited to see the next thing that God will accomplish through your service.