The president of the University of Texas at Dallas, Richard Benson, is resigning after eight years leading the university.
Beson's decision to step aside came as a shock to the university. The school is already one week into the fall semester.
During his tenure, Benson oversaw the university's expansion as a research institution and the implementation of the state's ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education.
Earlier this year, Benson cut 20 positions after Texas banned Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in its colleges. Previously, Benson had said no one would lose their positions over the ban.
“Our actions ensured that we were fully compliant with SB 17 as of January 1, 2024, the effective date of the legislation,” Benson wrote to the campus.
Like many universities, UT Dallas was rocked by controversy over the Israel-Hamas war. When some students and faculty were arrested for setting up an encampment, Benson wrote an op-ed defending the response.
Michael Kesden, physics professor and faculty speaker of the UTD Academic Senate, credited Benson with navigating challenging situations on campus.
“A lot of these things are certainly challenging situations,” Kesden said. “I can certainly say that if I had been in President Benson’s shoes, I would have struggled to handle them any differently than he did.”
Benson, who has a background in mechanical engineering, oversaw the expansion of the school's research budget, with expenditures growing from $113 million to $174 million, according to a press release.
"We have been so fortunate to have had someone with Dick Benson’s intelligence, experience, integrity, and passion as president of UTD,” Chancellor of the UT System James B. Milliken said.
Benson will stay on until a new president is chosen by the UT System Board of Regents. The process could take much of the 2025 academic year.
“The pinnacle of my career has been the opportunity to serve as the president of The University of Texas at Dallas. What a privilege it has been to lead this dynamic, fast-rising university!" he wrote.
“Although my time as president draws to a close, I will continue to be a proud member of the UT Dallas faculty, and I hope that there may yet be other ways for me to contribute to the life of this university.”
