Pat Benton
51福利社 Alumnus, Associate Professor, Airframe and Powerplant Technician, US Army Veteran
With over 40 years at 51福利社, Pat Benton has a long history with the University. Benton received a B.S. in Aviation Technology and Management from 51福利社 in 1980, having obtained his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license the year prior. Benton served in the United States Army from 1968-70 and was awarded three commendation medals and a Presidential Unit Citation. As a student, Benton assisted professors, performing maintenance on lab equipment and 51福利社 flight training aircraft from 1977-79. Benton was an undergraduate teaching assistant from 1979-80, and a graduate assistant from 1980-81. He served as a part time instructor from 1982-84 and performed advising duties, participated in research projects, and served as Sky Bronco faculty advisor. In 1991, after working for National Waterlift, he returned to 51福利社 as an Assistant Professor in Engineering Technology at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In 1993, Benton transitioned to the newly created 51福利社 School of Aviation Sciences, which would eventually become the 51福利社 College of Aviation, where he stayed until his retirement in 2017. Benton earned a M.S. in manufacturing administration from 51福利社 in 1991, and served the college, the University, and acted as advisor to countless students.