Michael Van Beek is the vice president for research at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He joined the Mackinac Center in June 2009 as director of education policy and subsequently worked as director of research. He has authored numerous studies for the Center on policy issues related to public school finance, school performance, regulatory reform and the use of emergency powers. His analyses and commentaries have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Hill, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press and elsewhere.

Van Beek obtained his graduate degree in history from Purdue University and his undergraduate degree from Hope College.