Alumni Board Spotlight: Love for Henderson motivates Brooke Beck
Brooke Beck
Q&A
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Brooke Gregory Beck, and I graduated from Henderson with a BBA in management. My hometown is Bismarck, Arkansas, and I spent many years in Arkadelphia after graduation. I currently reside in Hope with my husband Rusty and our two children, Carlie (20) and Ramsey (15). I've been with Southern Bancorp, a community development financial institution that focuses on serving underserved communities, for 18 years. Throughout my time at the company, I've held various roles. I started out as an internal auditor, moved to working in community development, spent some time in mortgage lending, but now I’m “thriving” as our Senior Brand Specialist on the Marketing and Communications team.
How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?
Attending a liberal arts college allowed me to become a well-rounded employee. I developed skills such as critical and creative thinking, communication, flexibility, and adaptability, which have been essential for success in the service industry.
What motivates you to serve on the HSU Alumni Advisory Board?
My motivation stems purely from a deep love for our university. I’ve been closely connected to Henderson for a long time, living in the college community and serving as Alpha Xi Delta’s sorority advisor for over 20 years. I’ve witnessed our ups and downs, and the struggles we have faced will only highlight the resilience of the Reddie Spirit. I see a bright future ahead and want to be a part of it.
What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?
Favorite memories…I have so many! Homecoming Week and all its traditions (Drumbeat, Bonfire, Phantom Reddies), Greek Week, B-flat to G (still makes me tear up), Pine Tree Speech, Welcome Week, Bid Day, Battle of the Ravine. I remember one year, OBU glitter-bombed the campus. The next morning, every single person tracked purple and gold glitter into the buildings. I met many life-long friends at HSU, and I treasure my time spent at college.
How did your college experience shape who you are today?
Attending Henderson shaped every aspect of who I am today. I learned the importance of volunteering and getting involved. Networking and volunteering outside of work are beneficial for both you and your employer. I also learned how to be a team player and succeed in collaborative situations. Most of my business classes involved group projects that required us to divide and conquer, focus on our strengths, and rely on each other to complete tasks. I do this every day in my career.
Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?
I vividly remember Mrs. Vandiver from my Freshman English class during my first semester. Her teaching style made me sit up and say – OK, this is not high school. She talked to us like adults and didn’t hold back anything. She was cheeky, and I loved her.
What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?
To the future Reddies out there, get involved. Day 1 – participate in all the Welcome Week activities. This is a perfect way to meet other nervous freshman that are looking to make friends. Second - join a club, go Greek, play intramural sports, go to the BCM, and take part in all the activities that the university organizes for students. Don’t just sit in your dorm room. College is what you make it. Sometimes your biggest life lessons aren’t learned in the classroom. And lastly - be sure to study. Remember, you are paying for your education.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably teleportation. I would love to snap my fingers and be anywhere in the world.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited and why?
My favorite place to visit is Maui, Hawaii. But the most interesting was probably Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. It’s hard to imagine how the Pueblo people built whole civilizations within the sides of a cliff.
If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?
90’s and 2000’s hip hop. For sure.