Northwest Mississippi Community College Athletics

Beard helped propel the Northwest men's basketball program to success in the early 1970s under head coach Henry B. Koon.

Beard guided Northwest to back-to-back winning seasons in 1970-72, serving as team captain. The Rangers finished as division runner-ups his freshman year before responding the next season with a 25-5 overall record, 12-0 division mark and the program's first-ever MACJC Championship.

The Holly Springs native developed into one of the top scorers in Northwest history as a two-time All-MACJC selection, finishing ninth on the Rangers' all-time scoring list with 1,011 points. He ranks fifth all-time in scoring average (21.1 ppg), sixth in free throws made (197) and seventh in field goals made (407). Beard was credited with numerous 30-point games, including a 39-point effort against Northeast in January 1971.

Beard went on to play two seasons at Southeastern Louisiana University from 1972-74, where he helped the Lions to a 21-7 record, Gulf South Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1973. While in Hammond, Beard played in the Strawberry Classic and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. 

Beard concluded his academic career at Mississippi Industrial College where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor of science in health, physical recreation and dance in 1976.

He then spent time at Holy Family Academy, serving as the athletic director and head coach of the both boys' and girls' basketball programs, guiding them to five conference championships and garnering five Coach of the Year honors.

Beard remained in his native Marshall County from 1986-99, where he was appointed as the athletic director and head boys' basketball coach at H.W. Byers High School. Beard guided the Lions to 12 district appearances and competed for six north half championships, all while serving on the executive board for the Mississippi High School Activities' Association (MHSAA).

While teaching, Beard continued his education through the University of Mississippi, receiving certification in Drivers' Education in 1987 and a Masters' in extended studies from 1991.

Beard departed for a similar job at South Panola High School in 1999 and helped the Tigers to four district appearances, as well as berths into the north half and Class 5A Championships. He was honored with a Coach of the Year award during his tenure in Batesville after guiding his team to a No. 5 state ranking. Additionally, he was promoted to the MHSAA's Legislative Committee, was honored with a 25-year service award by the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) and was appointed as coach for the north team during the MAC North-South All-Star Game.

Beard returned to Marshall County in 2004 at Holly Springs High School, where he was appointed as the coach of both basketball programs and physical education instructor. He was promoted to the role of athletic director in 2008, a role he remained in until 2010.