Before he came to UA, Benson spent 5 years as director of development at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he helped set up dozens of new scholarships and presided over a tenfold increase in college donations.

Benson is no stranger to many engineering alumni, and hopes to forge even stronger ties in his new role. "Having traveled the country for the past year visiting with University of Arizona alumni and donors from across campus, I can tell you that engineering graduates and those who support the college truly appreciate and value their UA experience," Benson said.

"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this passionate group and eager to reach out to those who have not yet become involved with the college."

Benson is a certified financial planner with a background in the financial services industry, and before moving into development worked for companies such as UBS Wealth Management and JPMorgan Chase. He earned his bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Northern Colorado in 1998, and his master's degree in business administration from Colorado State in 2009.