Benson Named Vice President for UA Research

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Joe Benson, a long-time faculty member and administrator at The University of Alabama, has been named vice president for research and vice provost at UA.

Benson has served as interim vice president for research and vice provost for the past year and a half.

“Dr. Benson has demonstrated during his interim appointment that he is a highly effective administrator and valued colleague,” said Dr. Judy Bonner, executive vice president and provost, in making the announcement. “His intimate knowledge of this campus will serve him well as we seek to ensure an environment that fosters discovery and rewards productivity as we expand further the research enterprise.”

Benson served as senior associate dean of the UA College of Arts and Sciences from 2001-2007. In this position, he was responsible for academic and administrative matters in the natural sciences and mathematics, research, fiscal operations, and facilities planning including serving as College liaison in the planning and construction of Shelby Hall.

He joined the UA faculty in 1978 as an assistant professor of geology. Promoted to associate professor and then professor, he served as chair of the department of geological sciences from 1990-1998 and as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1998-2001. Prior to joining UA, he was a research geologist for the Ohio Division of Geological Survey.

Benson was chosen from among three finalists for the position following a national search. Dr. Martha Powell, professor of biological sciences, chaired the search committee.

Benson’s research record in the area of petroleum geology has led to more than 80 publications and substantial external funding to support his research projects.

Known as an outstanding teacher, Benson was presented the National Alumni Association’s Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award in 1988 and in 2004 received the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Outstanding Educator Award. He also served two terms as president of the UA Faculty Senate from 1993-1995.

Benson earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Cincinnati and his bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.