Don Benton, assistant professor in educational leadership at Henderson State University, has been named the new assistant commissioner for research and technology for the Arkansas Department of Education. Benton will assume the role on Sept. 17.
As assistant commissioner, according to a news release, Benton will oversee technology initiatives and resources such as ADE’s Ambassador Academy, Arkansas Digital Sandbox and Student GPS dashboards. He also will oversee the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, which includes eSchoolPlus.
Benton has been the director of the Hot Springs Technology Institute since 1998 and founded Schools Without Walls, which provides professional development for technology leaders and educators.
He previously served as the director of technology and information, information technology security officer/disaster recovery, technology plan developer and E-Rate coordinator at the Hot Springs School District.
Benton has a Bachelor of Science in Education (Vocational Business Education), a Master of Science in Education (P-12 Building Level Leadership) and an Education Specialist in District Level Leadership from Henderson. He currently is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology from Boise State University in Idaho.
Q&A with Don Benton
Q. When did you attend Henderson, and in what activities did you participate?
A. I began my journey at Henderson in 1989 as an undergraduate. I participated in the Foreign Language club, Phi Beta Lambda, and several intramural athletic events.
Q. What was your major? What prompted you to pursue your particular degree?
A. I majored in Vocational Business Education with minors in Business Administration and German Language Studies. I initially wanted to get a degree in International Business Studies but decided to go into education when I realized that Henderson didn’t offer that degree. I was not willing to transfer to another university because I loved the Henderson environment and professors.
Q. Why did you choose Henderson?
A. I came to Henderson as a football recruit from Barton High School. I fell in love with the campus and people. I decided not to pursue football because I wanted to focus on my education and be the first to graduate college from my family line.
Q. Where is your hometown? From what high school did you graduate and in what year?
A. I grew up in West Helena and my family moved to Barton-Lexa when I was about 13. I became a Barton Bear and really embraced my new school family. I graduated in 1988 from Barton High School with honors and even had the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement Studies allowing me complete nearly thirty hours of college credit at Phillips County Community College during my senior year.
Q. What is your current occupation and your primary focus?
A. I was recently appointed by the Commissioner of Education for Arkansas Department of Education to be the new Assistant Commissioner for Research and Technology. I will be working with K-12 schools in Arkansas in the utilization, support, and implementation of the two units called eSchool and Technology Initiatives.
Q. What is your education background and career progression since you graduated Henderson, and what are your future plans?
A. I graduated the following:
Barton High School in 1988
Henderson State University
– Undergrad – Vocational Business Education- 1994
– Master of Science in Education – Building Level Leadership – 2003
– Educational Specialist – Ed.S. – District Level Leadership – 2013
– Doctoral Candidate – ABD – Boise State University – currently
Q. How has your degree benefited you in your career progression?
A. All of my degrees have made a tremendous impact in my life and career aspirations. I still haven’t figured out what I want to do when I grow up, but my education has opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. Once I began my pursuit a higher education, I have embarked on a journey that has had surprises, twists, and turns that I never expected. I am blessed beyond my dreams to have been able to be on a journey that has given me so much. My journey has been amazing, and it all started with making the choice to continue my education beyond high school.
Due to my educational journey, I have been privileged to be a middle school teacher, high school teacher, and Director of Technology at Hot Springs School District (15 years), Director of the Hot Springs Technology Institute (22 years), Creator of Schools Without Walls Leadership Conference (8 years), Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Henderson State University (10 years), served on various boards and consultant positions, and now I am blessed to be the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner of Research and Technology at the Arkansas Dept of Education.
Q. What aspect of your degree/career most interests you and what do you enjoy most about your profession?
A. I love working at the state level for schools and with schools to hopefully make a difference for educational leaders, educators, families, and most importantly, the students. To make a positive difference in as many lives as I can is what I love. God has given me many blessings and it is my joy to share and return the favor to others.
Q. Would you recommend your degree track at Henderson, and why?
A. Absolutely! Henderson really became my family when I came on campus. I wanted to quit and give it up on several occasions because getting an education can be challenging, but my Henderson friends and family wouldn’t give up on me. That is what made the difference. There were professors and colleagues who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Sometimes we all have bad days, weeks, months, or years… we all need help and encouragement. My Henderson family did that for me when I needed it most.
Q. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you related to your degree since you graduated from Henderson?
A. Meeting my wife is the best thing that has happened to me in relation to my degree. She is also a Reddie. Had she not been student teaching through Henderson in a school where I taught, I would have never met her. Henderson has changed both of our lives in more than just an academic aspect.
Q. If someone asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? Could you share something that most people don’t know about you?
A. This is hard to answer but I think people would say that I am fun-loving and humble. I don’t need or even want to be acknowledged for doing something. I prefer to be behind the scenes making sure that others get the credit they deserve. I just want to be remembered for being good, kind, and willing to help. I pray everyday to be a better servant, husband, son, and father. I want to make my Momma and Daddy proud.
Q. What awards or honors have you received?
A. – Created the MSE in Educational Technology Leadership degree – HSU – Approved 2013-2014
– AAIM – Arkansas Technology Leader of the Year – 2002 and 2013
– Faculty Excellence in Innovation and Creativity Award – 2012 – Henderson State University
– National Business Education Association Award of Merit for outstanding performance in business education (1994)
– First Place in Mr. Future Business Teacher for Arkansas – Phi Beta Lambda (1994)
Q. Are there any additional comments you can share with us?
A. I am proudly married to the love of my life, Dr. Brandie Benton, Associate Provost of Enrollment and Admissions for Henderson. We have two wonderful daughters, Skyler, 26, and Maddie, 10. We also have a grandson, Hudson, 18 months old. We enjoy a blessed life in Hot Springs. We are a part of the Lake Valley Community Church family in Hot Springs. I am proud to be a Reddie!