Brian Beckley’s unique background as both an education counselor and public servant gives him a unique perspective on the nexus between higher education and a sense of higher calling. His uncommon blend of pragmatism and idealism helped me to better understand my calling as a teenager who had yet to figure out what the right next steps after high school looked like. Through hours of counseling, Brian made an effort to understand not just what I wanted, but what I was meant for. He saw and understood my value system and how it aligned to a higher education pathway that would equip me for success in life. 

It is with the highest regard and deepest appreciation that our family recommends Mr. Brian Beckley as a college counselor and spiritual mentor. His guidance transformed what could have been a period of high anxiety into one of profound peace and clarity for our daughter.

Brian Beckley has an extraordinary ability to look beyond the superficial and recognize the true potential in a young person. Our son Philip—who navigated developmental delays, health challenges, and an average GPA—was never defined by those factors in Brian’s eyes. Instead, Brian thoughtfully and intentionally pursued the right college and future path for Philip, seeing a niche where he could not only fit, but truly thrive and succeed.

We are so grateful for the guidance and support Brian Beckley provided throughout the entire college application process. From the very beginning, Brian took the time to understand not just our sons' academic goals, but also our family values and deep commitment to faith. His approach was both professional and compassionate, ensuring that every step of the process felt aligned with what was important to us.

Brian was a true blessing to my family and I when we first met during my college preparatory years. Not only did Brian guide me throughout the college admissions process, he has also served as a close mentor to me throughout the years.

Having worked in both higher and independent school education for over 23 years, there is simply no better person, let alone professional, than Brian.  His dedication to working individually with each of his students is paramount and his commitment to providing a faith-based mission in his counseling work is unprecedented.

Brian was our oldest child's school counselor.  In him, we saw the unique ability to balance idealism with pragmatism.  He believed in our son categorically but also exercised leadership at appropriate inflection points.  

While serving as Associate Head of School, the College Counseling Office was adorned, both literally and figuratively, with this reminder from Jeremiah of God’s assurance for His people.  More specifically, the College Counseling Team, led by Director of College Counseling, Brian Beckley, applied this scripture to their daily work with our students. Brian reassured nervous students that they were cared for deeply by a God that has plans for their future, and who has uniquely equipped them for the journey. Brian embraced his vocational purpose in life for mentoring these students through the often stressful and overwhelming college search process.

“Imagine how nervous I was when I sat down to tell my college counselor, Mr. Beckley, I did not want to go to college, and was not sure I ever would.  Instead of making me feel embarrassed or full of shame, he listened to me and embraced my non-traditional plan.  He not once tried to talk me out of it or suggest that I only go for a couple of weeks.  He knew that would not satisfy me and that I wanted to follow my calling and immerse myself in the Ugandan culture, where I could form real relationships. He became a champion of my dream all the while setting me up to succeed should I decide to one day go back to college once I completed my mission work.”