Dr. Michael Besch earned his BA in History at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He later returned to the same institution to obtain his teaching certification. Some years later he earned his MBA in Finance and Accounting at Keller Graduate School of Management, as well as an MA and a Ph.D., both in American history, at Marquette University. His particular areas of interest are naval and maritime history, automotive history, and international affairs.

Prior to coming to Concordia, he served as Curriculum Coordinator for Finance and Business Planning, Center Director, Dean, and Director of Operations for Keller Graduate school with responsibilities ranging from Georgia to California and Wisconsin to Arizona. At Concordia he serves as Vice President of Adult and Continuing Education and also as a member of the Administrative Council, Concordia in the City Committee, the Portfolio Committee, and the Finance Committee. In the past he was also a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee and the Faculty Senate. Outside of Concordia he is an active member of the Institute of World Affairs, the Naval Institute, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Society of Automotive Historians, and Peace Lutheran Church.

Dr. Besch and his wife Pamela live in New Berlin and have three grown children. His main hobbies are automobiles (or motorcycles), automobilia, and boating. He has owned and restored cars ranging from a 1937 Pontiac to a 1964 Cadillac, several Triumphs, Alfa Romeos, a BMW, and a Saab, and many, many Chevys. His current collections include an Alfa Romeo, an old Ducati single, an old Yamaha 650, and a Camaro. Other hobbies include hunting, fishing, travel, hiking, and tennis. Stop in to talk cars, bikes, boats, or history anytime!