David Benson

David Benson earned his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from UCLA, and came to San Fernando State Valley College in 1961 as a professor of physical education. He soon moved into administration, serving in several positions until hired as president of Sonoma State University. He had a reputation for working well with faculty, perhaps in part because he believed that faculty, rather than administration, should hire and review their colleagues, and make decisions on curriculum. He passed away in 2013 at age 81 of kidney disease.