Rex Beck
Professor, Business Administration
Norco College School of Business
& Management
(Retired in June 2022)
- 14 years of dedicated service
Most people aren’t lucky enough to have one long, successful career, never mind two.
But that’s exactly what Rex Beck has had, and he’s still going strong in the second.
Students in his classes at Norco College, where he has taught for the last 14 years,
benefit both from his education and his two decades working in logistics management.
“Teaching was always on my short list of career preferences but circumstances led
me in another direction,” says Rex. “Happily, life offered me the opportunity for
a second career in one of my first loves, teaching. I consider it a rare privilege
to share my years of experience in the industry with those who are just establishing
their professional roots.”
A graduate of one of the top engineering programs in the country, the United States
Military Academy at West Point, Rex also earned an MBA from Cal State San Bernardino.
He has numerous industry certifications, including Certified Professional in Supply
Management and Certified Purchasing Manager designations from the Institute for Supply
Management, and is certified in Production and Inventory Management by APICS. International
recognition includes a Diploma in Supply Chain Management from the International Trade
Centre, and acceptance as a Fully Qualified Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement
& Supply.
Along with teaching and preparing for his classes, Rex provides consultation to other
colleges looking to develop Logistics Management programs similar to the one he created
at Norco College. A published author, his articles have appeared in publications such
as Inbound Logistics and APICS Magazine. Don’t expect him to quit his day job, however.
Rex is thrilled with his second act and looks forward to every day he can spend making
a difference for his students. “The best thing about teaching is the time I spend
in the classroom working with my students,” Rex says. “It’s fantastic to hear from
them about how they apply the concepts we discuss in class to specific situations
that arise in their own workplaces. What makes me happiest though, is when they tell
me how their employers express appreciation for what they’ve learned, in the form
of promotional opportunities. Nothing can top knowing that what you’ve taught someone
has made an immediate and significant impact in their lives, and in the lives of their
families, who benefit from their success.”
As a result of his 20-year career in logistics management, one that included materials
management, logistics analysis, customer field and call center support logistics,
warehouse management system implementation, and more, Rex teaches a variety of classes
at Norco College. In addition to a course on Business Mathematics, he teaches Principles
of Logistics, Warehouse Management, Purchasing and Supply Management, and International
Logistics.
Outside of the classroom, Rex loves the simple pleasures in life. He and his wife
hang out with their Chihuahua, romp outdoors with the cat that visits their property,
and take short day trips too. Rex is also passionate about advocating for the betterment
of the country’s mentally ill population, participating in activities for NAMI (National
Association for the Mentally Ill), and supporting the Salvation Army. When asked about
one thing that would surprise people to know about him, his response was definitely
unexpected. “My karate instructor once strongly encouraged me to participate in a
karate tournament where Chuck Norris would also be competing,” he said. “I declined.
That remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Don’t regret it one bit.”
To view the Business Administration program page, click here.
To view the Logistics Management program page, click here.