Mike Beard was the first Westfield State track and field athlete to make an impact nationally and in New England. Beard was a two-time national qualifier at Westfield State College and placed fourth in the New England indoor two mile championship in 1974. Beard's performance against competitors from all divisions marked the first time in the college's history that a Westfield State entrant placed in the New England championships. 

Additionally, Beard was a two-time Mass. State Conference champion in the two mile run, placing first in 1974 and 1975. Beard still holds school records in the two mile run (9:09.6) and the six mile run (30:10.5), and formerly held school records in the three mile run (14:15) and the five mile run (24:38). 

The 1975 Westfield State graduate also was a four-year standout in cross country and a captain his senior year. Beard was all conference in 1972 and 1974 and held the school record of 25:25 on the old Westfield State course. The Dorchester native placed eighth in the prestigious Cod Fish Invitational at Franklin Park in Boston in 1974 with a time of 24:38. 

Beard is a full-time father and is employed part-time as an information services coordinator at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston. He is a member of the board of directors at Carter Nursery School and a member of the Republican Town Committee in Needham. He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Needham Heights and have two children: Emily and Charles.