Mark Benson honored with emeritus status
Mark Benson, associate professor of human development in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.
A member of the Virginia Tech faculty since 1987, Benson made significant contributions to the field of human development and family science through his teaching and research on child and adolescent development. He was principal and co-principal investigator on grants and contracts implementing and assessing the effectiveness of professional development programs for children and adolescents.
In the classroom, Benson taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses on children and adolescents, placing strong emphasis on theoretical constructs in human development and family science. In addition, he advised the master’s degree theses and Ph.D. dissertations of numerous students, helping them develop successful careers in both academic and professional settings.
In recognition of his teaching and scholarship, Benson received the Ernest Osborn Award for Teaching Excellence from the National Council on Family Relations and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Advising from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Benson received his bachelor’s degree from Drew University and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
