June 14, 2011

Benshoff appointed interim dean of COEHS

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The director of the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the new interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services.
Chancellor Rita Cheng today (June 14) announced the appointment of John J. Benshoff. The appointment, subject to ratification by the SIU Board of Trustees, is effective June 6.
“Dr. Benshoff will provide outstanding leadership for the college,” Cheng said. “He has an impressive record of research, teaching and service, in addition to a longstanding commitment to the success of the college and the University.”
Kenneth Teitelbaum, who has served as dean the past four years, is taking a position as dean of the Watson School of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Benshoff’s interim dean appointment is through Oct. 31. A formal internal search will take place this fall allowing input into the selection process for an interim dean. There will be a simultaneous national search for a permanent dean as well.
Benshoff’s affiliation with SIUC and the Rehabilitation Institute extends back more than two decades since his arrival in 1988 as an assistant professor in rehabilitation administration and services. He’s also been associate professor and director of studies in substance abuse counseling and coordinator of the rehabilitation counselor training program. Promoted to professor in 1999, he has been the Rehabilitation Institute’s director, initially on an interim basis, since 2006.
“In addition to his long history with the University, Dr. Benshoff has a strong record of scholarship and teaching. His leadership of the Rehabilitation Institute has been particularly noteworthy and successful,” said Provost John Nicklow.
Benshoff’s career also includes experience as a consultant, work in the fields of rehabilitation and substance abuse in both private practice and clinical settings, and serving as a hearing officer for the Illinois Office of Rehabilitation Services.
“I’ve been a faculty member and administrator in the college for over 20 years and I am honored to be asked to step into this new role. Ken Teitelbaum has done a wonderful job over the last four years taking us in a positive direction and I hope to be able to carry on that tradition by continuing to move the college forward for the benefit of our students, faculty and staff,” Benshoff said. “With the many issues currently facing the University, it will be important to be flexible and react quickly to changing times and situations. I have great faith that we can work together as a college to achieve success in the coming year.”
Benshoff completed his doctorate in human rehabilitation at the University of Northern Colorado in Greely, Colo., in 1987. He earned his master’s in rehabilitation (1968) and his bachelor’s in biology (1967), both at the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds certifications in management and administration from the University of Utah at Salt Lake City and the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.
The National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE), the country’s premier professional association for rehabilitation education professionals, recently presented Benshoff with the 2011 Distinguished Career in Rehabilitation Award. The award recognizes Benshoff for his numerous contributions and his many years of experience in the rehabilitation field.
Long active in NCRE and other professional organizations, Benshoff also has extensive involvement in service to the community and the University. His research interests include rehabilitation, alcohol and substance abuse and rehabilitation counseling.
Benshoff and wife Sharon reside in Carbondale.