"Paul is a proven leader on campus who is well respected by the faculty," Daniel J. Curran, UD president, stated in the release. "I conferred with the board of trustees and the executive committee of the academic senate about his appointment, and it was well received by both groups. I look forward to working with him to continue the university's strong momentum."
Benson came to UD in 1985 to teach in the philosophy department. He held posts as department chair from 2001-04 and associate dean for integrated learning and curriculum from 2005-07 before he was appointed dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2007. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
"I am honored to serve the University of Dayton community in a new capacity," Benson stated in the release. "I have been blessed with tremendous support from faculty, staff and students in my role as dean, and I hope I will be able to cultivate strong relationships across campus in order to support the academic priorities of the university."
An interim dean for the College of Arts and Sciences is expected to be appointed before the end of the month. The interim dean will serve a one-year term while a national search is conducted.
Benson succeeds Joseph Saliba, who will return after a sabbatical to the faculty in the School of Engineering.
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