Reflections on a Presidency

“George Benson has been a committed advocate for the College of Charleston, and I congratulate him on his tenure as president. I have enjoyed working with him in our effort to continue strengthening and improving the public higher education system in South Carolina and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.”
– S.C. GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY

“George Benson is a man of honor and I am a finer person and president because of knowing him. George and I have shared a mutual passion – economic development. He understands that to attract talent and investment we must have the right educational mix. He is concerned not only with the quality of a College of Charleston education, but also with the opportunities that are available for students before and after they graduate.”
– MARY THORNLEY, PRESIDENT
TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

“During Dr. Benson’s tenure, the already strong relationship between the College and the Medical University became even closer and a process was put in place to formalize further collaborations. George was particularly focused on what we could do together to promote the economic development of Charleston and the region. It was a privilege and pleasure to work with him on these issues.”
– DR. RAY GREENBERG
EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS,
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM,
AND FORMER MUSC PRESIDENT

“It’s been my honor and privilege to know George Benson. He has led the College of Charleston with distinction and offered his knowledge and vision as we have worked together with business and community leaders to build a bright future for the Lowcountry.”
– LT. GEN. JOHN W. ROSA, USAF (RET.)
PRESIDENT, THE CITADEL

“President Benson’s departure from the College of Charleston is a loss for the faculty and students as well as one for the Lowcountry. George and Jane Benson have worked tirelessly to promote the interest and reputation of the College. I will miss this dynamic couple both personally and professionally and wish them only the best in their future.”
– JIM NEWSOME
PRESIDENT AND CEO, S.C. STATE PORTS AUTHORITY

“President Benson’s tenure has been strategic on many fronts. Most important, he has engaged the alumni, resulting in fundraising that is at an all-time high. He has also developed a master plan that allows for a vision for the school for years to come. I’m delighted that he will remain on as faculty once he steps down, and we will have the benefit of his experience for years to come.”
– CHARLES P. “BUDDY” DARBY III
CHAIR, COLLEGE’S SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BOARD OF GOVERNORS

“Dr. Benson has provided extraordinary leadership and great energy to the College of Charleston, which has seen its growth in quality, educational capacity and national esteem continue upward under his tenure.”
– CHARLESTON MAYOR JOE RILEY

“I’ve enjoyed working with George Benson. I’m saddened this will be his last year, but I am heartened by all the good accomplished at the College during George’s tenure as president.”
– ANITA ZUCKER
CEO, THE INTERTECH GROUP INC.