Oak Grove Lutheran School announced today that Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom has been appointed as the school’s next president. Beckstrom will begin his role in June.
“On behalf of the Oak Grove Board of Regents, we are grateful for the partnership of our families and community throughout this search. We are confident that Rev. Dr. Beckstrom’s faith-centered leadership and care for students will help Oak Grove continue to grow and thrive,” said Lisa Sjoberg, chair of the Oak Grove Board of Regents. “We also express our deep gratitude to Sher Thomsen for her excellent leadership as interim president since January.”
Beckstrom is an ordained ELCA pastor and a mission-centered leader. He brings more than 25 years of experience in Lutheran higher education and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on supporting students and strengthening organizations for the future. Most recently, he served as Chief Mission Officer and Associate Vice President at Valparaiso University, where he helped lead strategic initiatives, deepen the university’s mission across campus, and support long-term financial sustainability.
Previously, Beckstrom served as Dean of Spiritual Life and Campus Pastor at Wartburg College, where he led the division through times of change and expanded opportunities for worship, service, and community connection. He earned his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College.
“Oak Grove has an impressive 119-year history of forming leaders who embody both the love and wisdom of Jesus. It is an honor to be part of this special community of faith and learning. I look forward to working with Oak Grove staff, faculty, students, and alumni as we follow where God leads,” Beckstrom said.
Oak Grove is grateful to Interim President Sher Thomsen and the presidential search committee for guiding the school through this time of transition. The school is excited to welcome him to the Grover community when he begins his role in June.
