He later took on the role of associate dean and associate director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in Newark. Benton recognized the significance of basic and applied research and the value it brought to the state and region.Dr. Benton was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Avian Pathologists. He is also remembered as a dedicated mentor to Blue Hen students. Benton served as an adviseor to the Delaware chapter of Alpha Zeta, the agricultural co-ed fraternity.

Dr. Benton was also the point person for the college and the University during the original construction of Worrilow Hall, an important UD laboratory that opened in 1980 and facilitated the transition of CANR’s research program into a new age.

Remembered by the Blue Hen community

Robin Morgan, retired faculty member, former University of Delaware provost and dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: “Dr. Benton welcomed me to the University of Delaware in the 1980s, encouraging and supporting me through the early stages of my career. A man of great integrity, Bill Benton was held in very high regard across the University and throughout the many communities he served. Several of his former students and colleagues later became my mentors, and they remember him as a true gentleman and scholar, a tremendous teacher and a mentor beyond description. I think Bill gave us a superb example of excellent academic scholarship, university administration, and personal mentorship.” 

Spangler “Buzz” Klopp, UD alumnus (AG'66, '68M): “There are many virtues of Dr. Benton. My most vivid recollections focus on not only his expertise in poultry, but his mentoring of young students such as me. He instilled a passion for doing a job the right way and following up on details.” 

Jack Gelb, UD alumnus (AG’74, ‘76M), retired faculty member and former chair of Department of Animal and Food Sciences and director of the Avian Bioscience Center: “Dr. Benton was highly respected by all, the consummate gentleman, professional, well-informed and kind. His impacts on agriculture in the state through his research and on student mentoring were significant and well-recognized.”

William W. Saylor, retired UD faculty member, and former associate dean for research and associate director of the Agricultural Experiment Station: “Bill was the consummate administrator with attention to detail, thoroughness, accuracy and integrity at the heart of his work. Bill was the staunchest of supporters of the land-grant system, and held that standard before the college faculty as an example to pursue. He was the personification of a fine southern gentleman, treating everyone with benevolence, respect and civility. He will be remembered fondly by many.”

Mark Isaacs, associate professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and director of the Carvel Research and Education Center: “His exemplary professionalism and ability to tactfully articulate challenges and opportunities for our college’s vision and direction was something to behold. In addition, his high regard for undergraduate and graduate education was a significant attribute that sparked many students’ professional development and careers.” 

Ed Kee, UD alumnus, former Cooperative Extension agent, former state of Delaware secretary of agriculture and current CANR executive in residence: “Dr. Benton was a true scholar. He believed deeply in UD’s land-grant university mission. He was proud and appreciative to be a scholar and then an administrator.” 

Making a gift

In honor of Dr. Benton’s retirement from UD, family and friends created the William J. Benton Graduate Student Award in recognition of his dedication to graduate education. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in Dr. Benton’s memory to the award fund to support graduate education at the University of Delaware. Please forward donations to Gifts Processing, 83 East Main St., 3rd Floor, Newark, DE 19716. Make checks payable to “University of Delaware” and include on the memo line “in memory of Dr. William J. Benton”. Gifts can also be made on UD’s secure website, www.udel.edu/makeagift. Choose “I’d like to search for a different option” and then search for “Benton” or “Benton Award”.

Read Dr. Benton’s obituary.