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ALUMNI & FRIENDS > Alumni News Archives > John Benson - Professional Excellence Award - School of Business

John Benson


Professional Excellence Award - School of Business

Pictured are John Benson (center), with Joy Bryant (left), executive director of alumni relations and Dr. David J. Spittal (right), Southern Wesleyan University president

Benson
John Benson’s educational journey has carried him through the U.S. Military Academy, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in general engineering. He attended Armed Forces Staff College, preparing him as a Joint Staff Officer; U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where he earned Engineering Test Pilot; Defense Systems Management College, where he advanced in Program Management; and Southern Wesleyan University, where he earned his master’s degree in management.

Benson has extensive supervisory experience at Tri-County Technical College, the military and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Major areas of experience include providing relevant, effective and affordable training for local
businesses, industries and individuals desiring occupational advancement; directing exploratory and advanced development aviation research programs; performing engineering flight tests of aircraft and subsystems; and establishing effective
personnel training and development programs.

For 12 years he was director of the World Class Training Center at Tri-County Technical College. He served two years as commander/director of Aviation Applied Technology Directorate; four years as rotorcraft technology manager in the Office
of Aeronautics and Space Technology, NASA; three years as an engineering test pilot, U.S. Aviation Engineering Flight Activity, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; and for 26 years, he served as commander and staff officer in a variety of military units.

Benson and his wife Nancy have two children and five grandchildren. John serves the local church as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon. He is active in Gideon’s International, Pendleton Camp.