The Georgia Southwestern Foundation Board of Trustees held its fall 2017 full board meeting recently with Chairman Will Peterson presiding. During the meeting, Jeff Benton was elected as the newest trustee and Mark Pace was re-elected to another three year term. Nominated and elected by their peers, the 28-member group provides external oversight to the Foundation’s operations.
 
“The GSW Board of Trustees is composed of alumni and friends who are dedicated to the mission of Georgia Southwestern,” said Foundation Executive Director Reda Rowell. “Through their advocacy of the institution, resources are developed to enhance student success with scholarships and innovative teaching and learning opportunities”
 
Benton earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from GSW in 1992 and a master’s degree in business in 1996. With more than 20 years of experience in the lighting industry, Benton is the vice president of operations for Eaton’s residential and wiring devices division. Benton served in the U.S. Army for three years prior to enrolling at GSW.
 
A member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity while at GSW, Benton received the 25-year Volunteer Service Award at the Kappa Sigma Grand Conclave in Las Vegas, Nevada in July 2017. He is currently the president of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity Alumni Council. Benton is a past president of the GSW Hurricane Club, the Newnan Touchdown Club, and the Americus-Sumter Touchdown Club. Benton also received the 2017 Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Business Administration at a ceremony in October of this year.
 
Benton and his wife, Amy, have two children: Bryce a recent GSW graduate and Brooke, a current GSW nursing student.
 
Through fundraising and prudent fiscal management of assets and gift accounts, the GSW Foundation provides resources to Georgia Southwestern. The GSW Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of Georgia Southwestern.