News Archives - 2003

Tracy Beckman has been named director of Government and Community Relations at Augsburg College. Most recently, Beckman served as a government relations representative with the National Farmers Union in Washington, DC, in which he worked with members of Congress, their staff, and various agencies on a variety of issues relating to agriculture. Previously he worked for the United States Department of Agriculture, as the Minnesota State Executive director, Farm Service Agency. He was responsible for administering all aspects of the federal farm program. Beckman has also worked as a private consultant, lobbying at the state and federal level for a variety of issues including chemical dependency, health care, and the environment. He describes himself as a "people person who loves to bring people together to solve problems."

From 1987 to 1999, Beckman served as a Minnesota State Senator representing Senate District 26 near his hometown of Bricelyn, Minn. While in the senate he chaired various funding divisions, with a special interest in workforce development, housing and economic development. Throughout his tenure as an elected official, he worked closely with Federal, State and local elected officials, agencies and non-profits to form partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources.

"Augsburg College is a very special place uniquely serving the city and the region," said Sue Klaseus, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations at Augsburg College. "It is no surprise that Tracy, an effective public servant most of his life, was drawn to Augsburg. Servant leaders tend to find their calling, and we're thrilled that Tracy found his way to us. He will help us to enhance our effectiveness in the government relations area, as well as to continue building critical bridges with our community partners."

Beckman graduated from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government with a Master's of Public Administration, and Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received the Bush Leadership Fellow in 1994, and was the coordinator of the U.S. Presidential visit to Minnesota in 2000. He and his wife, Janelle, live in St. Paul.