From Bowie State to the Big Leagues: Alumnus Jason Beckwith’s Journey to the Washington Nationals

When Jason Beckwith steps into his role as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the Washington Nationals, he does so with quiet strength, focused intention, and a life shaped by conviction and character. His story is one of transformation, not just professionally but personally. At the heart of that journey is his experience at Bowie State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Beckwith’s path wasn’t linear. Born in Washington, D.C., and adopted at a young age, he was raised in Germantown, Maryland, where his family was deeply connected to the church. Education wasn’t a debate; it was a given. Inspired by older mentors in his community, many of whom attended Bowie State, Beckwith initially enrolled elsewhere but quickly realized something was missing. Transferring to Bowie in his sophomore year, he found not only a campus but a community that felt instantly like home.

“I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in coming in midstream,” he recalled. “But in no time, I felt like I belonged. I knew I was where I was supposed to be.”

That immediate sense of welcome became a defining memory. For Beckwith, Bowie State offered more than academics, it offered structure, support and a sense of purpose. 

“The values the university was founded on — community, inclusion, support — those haven’t changed in more than 160 years,” he said.

Among his most formative experiences was a course taught by a professor in economics. 

“He was tough,” Beckwith shared, “but you knew he cared. You had to bring your A-game every day.” 

What stayed with him wasn’t just the course content, but the mindset it demanded. He learned how to think critically, refine his approach and focus with precision. 

“He taught me how to absorb what matters most, connect the dots and build from there.”

That mindset stayed with him. After graduating, Beckwith launched his career in recruiting for the TSA before moving to Lockheed Martin, where he joined a competitive leadership development program. Surrounded by peers from Ivy League schools, he initially questioned whether he belonged. 

“But I came to realize I absolutely did,” he said. “What I learned at Bowie made me resourceful. I had learned to be agile, to thrive with less and to turn challenges into opportunities.”

While others may have had pedigree, Beckwith had persistent perseverance. 

“They had access to everything. I had a drive, an internal grit, that couldn’t be taught. That determination is what set me apart.”

Over time, Beckwith transitioned from recruiting into broader HR leadership roles — first at Lockheed Martin, then at Carnival, then Comcast, and ultimately to the Washington Nationals. It wasn’t always easy. 

“The first year in HR, I thought I was going to fail,” he admitted. “I didn’t know the laws, the systems. I had to learn fast. There were moments when I thought I might fail. But then it all clicked. That was the turning point.”

From there, his career accelerated, and that sense of evolution is a theme that runs through his story. When he arrived at the Nationals, he recognized an opportunity to create something meaningful. 

“I knew I had the chance to build a human resources organization from the ground up,” he said. “And I was willing to step into that space.”

With intention, he laid the foundation and worked to cultivate alignment across the organization. 

“We created momentum together,” he said. “And that shared commitment is what’s allowing us to grow forward.”

For Beckwith, the Nationals also represent a personal milestone. 

“This is the first place in my career where I’ve truly felt seen and where my voice has mattered from day one,” he said. 

He’s quick to clarify that this isn’t a critique of past organizations. 

“I was in different places in my journey, and those experiences shaped me too. But here, everything aligned — my skills, the opportunity, and the culture. That kind of alignment creates space for people to do their best work.”

Though he once played baseball in high school and college, Beckwith never imagined he’d return to the game in a professional capacity. 

“I wasn’t good enough to play in the big leagues,” he said with a laugh. “So, to come full circle, to be part of Major League Baseball in this way, it’s humbling.”

His advice to Bowie students is direct and heartfelt. 

“Dream bigger than you think you can. Build your network. Don’t underestimate the value of relationships and start collecting experiences and skills while you’re still in school. You never know which of them will open the next door.”

Beckwith also encourages students to be resilient and patient with their growth. 

“Focus on building your root system,” he said. “Everyone wants to be the tall oak tree, but it’s the roots underground — your hard work, your values, your skills — that will sustain you.”

Today, Beckwith says he’s focused on the present. 

“There’s a saying in sports now: ‘Focus on where your feet are.’ That’s what I’m doing, making the most of this moment and this team. Because there’s still more to build.”

And with roots as deep as his, there’s no question he will.