Lynn Beckwith Jr., the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education at UMSL, talks about his career in education after receiving 2013 Lifetime Achiever in Education award from the St. Louis American Foundation on Sept. 13. (Photo by Wiley Price of the St. Louis American)

Lynn Beckwith Jr. became an educator because he wanted to make an impact on young minds and share his passion for education with the next generation.

Beckwith, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, was honored for his contributions to education with the 2013 Lifetime Achiever in Education award from the St. Louis American Foundation.

“I consider it a significant honor,” Beckwith said. “As a career educator it is very uplifting and inspiring to receive such a significant award. The award is a testimony to the role that the power of education has played in my life as well as to all of the support I received over the years from family, friends, colleagues and mentors.”

The award was presented Sept. 13 during the 26th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala at the America’s Center.

UMSL Chancellor Tom George introduced Beckwith during the event.

“It’s hard to pinpoint where Dr. Beckwith is most effective since he is most effective everywhere,” George said. “But I often receive tremendous feedback from his former students – many of whom are now in leadership roles in our community schools. But I guess that’s to be expected, he is after all an outstanding teacher.”

Beckwith’s career spans more than 50 years. He’s served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of federal programs and executive director of state and federal programs for the St. Louis Public Schools. He also served as superintendent for the University City School District.

For the past 13 years, he has served UMSL as an endowed scholar and the liaison between the university and the public schools.

He is the director of the Center for Excellence in Urban Education in the College of Education at UMSL and teaches graduate students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policies Studies at UMSL.

Beckwith earned a bachelor’s degree from Harris Teachers College and master’s and doctoral degrees in education from St. Louis University.