Who is Beris Group?
Company
Beris Group is an intentionally connected partnership for higher educational leaders that provides sustainable insight, direction, and support (IDS).
As a niche partner in the Christian higher education space, the Beris Group works alongside senior university leaders, with a focus on the chief student affairs officer, to provide Insight into organizational structures and staffing wisdom, Direction in unique real-time situations, and Support with ongoing coaching and staff development.
Specifically, the Beris Group was established in response to requests from higher educational leaders for assistance with unique student development situations, program and departmental evaluation needs, as well as providing ongoing professional development for student development professionals.
As unique needs emerge, Beris Group staffing resources will adjust to meet the specific requirements of any partnership.
Principal Partner
Rev. Dr. Steve Beers has worked in higher education for four decades. His campus work has included roles in residential life, campus ministries, as an associate professor, and in senior leadership. In addition to his institutional roles, he has served as president of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and as a Senior Fellow of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Steve is ordained in the Anglican Church of North America as a vocational deacon.
Steve earned a BA in psychology and bible, an MS in counseling, an Ed.D. in education, and is expected to graduate with a D.Min. in the fall of 2025. His publications include various articles and books, including The Soul of a Christian University: A Field Guide for Educators (2008), Funding the Future: Preparing University Leaders to Navigate the Coming Change (2012), and Making a Difference: Empowering the Resident Assistant (2015). His most recent publication, a chapter in Stewarding Our Bodies: A Vision for Christian Student Affairs (2023), addresses student anxiety. Steve consistently presents at national conferences and has worked with various international institutions. A complete list of publications and presentations is available upon request.
Associate Partners
Dr. Edee Schulze served as Vice President for Student Life at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, from 2014 to 2024, with prior experience at Bethel University (MN) and Wheaton College (IL). For over 35 years, she has been passionate about creating environments where students can thrive as whole persons. Edee has an M.A. in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College Graduate School and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and has been an active leader in several national organizations, including the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). She retired from full-time work in June 2024 and lives in Portland OR, where she volunteers with her church, Bridgetown, and with the Bible Project. Edee enjoys reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, walking and spending time with her two dogs, Bandit and Pippin.
