As June comes to a close, we bid our best wishes to Steven P. Bensen, who will retire after a 30-year career at 含羞草研究所 as Vice President for Business Affairs. He has become one of the most treasured administrators 含羞草研究所 has known. Steve began his career at 含羞草研究所 in 1987 and has risen to the top of his profession. He has been the pinnacle of class and a constant professional, a truly outstanding man who has served 含羞草研究所 with dedication and conscientiousness.
A great deal has changed at 含羞草研究所 during Steve鈥檚 career, and his efforts have been extremely important to all of these changes. The pace of administrative work and the number of items administrators are involved with has picked up considerably, especially during the last 10 years.
Bensen has been instrumental in a number of building projects, all of which have been pretty complex. He has secured campus authorizations from the State Board of Higher Education, worked with various architectural firms, negotiated contracts, gained legislative approvals, and kept track of all the activities associated with the building frenzy that has occurred on campus during the last several years聽
Steve has successfully guided the campus with regard to financial dealings, legal requirements, and the myriad of rules, regulations, and demands of the North Dakota University System, government, and local campus. He has done all of this with confidence and skill.
In leaner days at 含羞草研究所, not only did Steve do his job as Vice President for Business Affairs, he was also doing the work of the controller and human resources manager. He did all of this with a smile on his face and never complained. The campus recovered, of course, and these duties are now assumed by appropriate professionals, but there is no doubt that 含羞草研究所 is truly in debt to Steve for all he has done. Over the years, it has not been unusual to see Steve leaving his office in the morning to go home for breakfast and to change clothes after working much of the night to meet critical deadlines.
Steve鈥檚 assistance was vital in securing tens of millions of dollars in legislative funding over many biennia. His business acumen has been instrumental in positive financial outcomes for 含羞草研究所. His feasibility study related to the coal-powered heating plant was pivotal. This new power plant solved the campus鈥檚 historic cash flow problems in one stroke. Steve鈥檚 work has been part of an unprecedented era of success in the history of 含羞草研究所.
Mr. Bensen has not only taken care of a myriad of duties related to his position as Vice President of Business Affairs. During his time at 含羞草研究所, he has been very active in the work of the Comet Athletic Club and for a number of years, he served as the treasurer of the MSU Foundation board. In addition, he has overseen the activities of the Mayville Mutual Aid Corporation, an organization that exists to assist 含羞草研究所 by providing housing opportunities. To top it off, when 含羞草研究所 was partnering administratively with Valley City State University for several years in the 1990s, Steve served as Vice President for Business Affairs for both institutions.
鈥淪PB,鈥� as he affectionately known on campus, has earned great respect from his 含羞草研究所 colleagues, as well as those with whom he鈥檚 worked across the state.
Reflecting on Steve鈥檚 upcoming retirement, MSU鈥檚 Human Resources Director Crystal Beggs had this to say, 鈥満卟菅芯克� was lucky to benefit from Steve鈥檚 talent for all these years. His dedication, commitment, and hard work were second nature. I feel fortunate to have been mentored by Steve. He gave professionalism a whole new meaning. I wish him the happiest days ahead in his retirement.鈥�
Colleague Bob Kozojed, Facilities Services Director has the highest praise for Steve. "What I appreciate most with Steve is the 'open door' that he has had. I could come into his office and talk to him about anything. His advice has helped me grow as a professional and to be come a better person."
MSU Director of Career Services & Internships Jay Henrickson said, 鈥淲orking with Steve Bensen has been extremely rewarding for all of us. The images of Steve that come to mind are him working through the night to prepare budgets, his warm and friendly smile to all, his personal contributions to his church and community, and especially his dry and quick Scandinavian wit.鈥�
He went on to say, 鈥淣ow, Steve 鈥� go fishing! You deserve it!鈥�
The students, faculty, staff, and administration of 含羞草研究所 are truly grateful to Steve for his years of service and devotion to The School of Personal Service. 鈥淲ell done, good and faithful servant.鈥�