RICHMOND, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University on Friday named Michael T. Benson as its new president.
The Board of Regents chose Benson at a special meeting on the Richmond campus.
Benson, president of Southern Utah University, succeeds Doug Whitlock, who is retiring.
Craig Turner, chairman of the board, said Benson was the “resounding choice” for the presidency.
“He has devoted himself to students and their academic success, is an accomplished communicator and scholar committed to diversity and expanding global academic opportunities, and is a proven financial manager who will develop and sustain political and external support for EKU,” Turner said in a news release.
Benson, 48, has been successful in raising tens of millions of dollars for Southern Utah, where he has been president since 2006, EKU said.
His tenure will begin at a time when EKU, like other state colleges and universities, is searching for ways to cope with continued cuts in state support.
