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The Journey: Leaders In College Athletics Share Their WisdomAuthor: CSA Search & Consulting
In this monthly conversation series, CSA Search & Consulting's executive leadership team sit down with special guests from across the intercollegiate athletics, professional sports and higher education landscapes to discuss on their unique career journeys, including the challenges and the triumphs experienced along the way; offer advice for up-and-coming administrators; and reflect on the changing industry landscape. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Journey: Michael Benson
Episode 2
Wednesday, 28 January, 2026
West Virginia President Michael T. Benson sits down with CSA Senior Consultant and former North Carolina State University Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson for a candid conversation about his experience as a student-athlete, his commitment to scholarship, and his journey to the president's office - which began with his first job after graduate school: roofing houses. Benson: "We'd get started early, at 5 o'clock in the morning because the shingles would get so hot by noon, and I was talking to one of my co-workers. It turns out his dad worked at the University of Utah in fundraising... that led to my being hired as a Major Gifts Officer in 1995."Benson, who has served as a president at five institutions, also offers insight into the process of academic publishing, discusses the impact of his mentors on his trajectory, and reflects on the value of team sports.00:00 - Introduction01:58 - Talk about the transition from the academy, the faculty, to the presidency. 08:55 - Let's talk about how you've woven scholarship throughout your career into the role you currently play. You've had a passion for research universities... you've taught at every institution you've served, even as a busy president.15:58 - Talk about the critical role athletics plays in higher education and the current issues that university presidents face in trying to manage 21:08 - What opportunities and challenges do you see for West Virginia University? What gets you excited to come into the office?
