Dr. Jerel D. Benton is a distinguished leader in the field of higher education, celebrated for his
extensive expertise in student success, diversity, equity, and inclusion. A first-generation college
student himself, Dr. Benton holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy
Studies from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education from
Morehead State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Kentucky University.
His professional journey has seen him hold several pivotal roles, including serving as the Special
Assistant to the Provost and Associate Vice President for Student Success at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Dr. Benton’s leadership has led to substantial advancements in student retention and graduation rates, particularly among underserved populations.
Dr. Benton’s career is marked by his roles as a Senior Diversity Officer at the University of Wisconsin– Superior and as the Minority Retention Coordinator at Morehead State University, where he developed significant initiatives aimed at enhancing institutional diversity and student success. His commitment to educational leadership is also evident from his selection for the Emerging Leaders Program by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Benton is a devoted husband to Gabrielle and a loving father to three daughters, Ayden, Alyssa, and Amari. His personal and professional life both reflect his dedication to fostering environments that support both academic excellence and comprehensive student support.
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