Oral History Interview with Dr. Greg Benson January 30, 2025

The interview with Dr. Greg Benson, a retired music educator and administrator, details his life and career, with a focus on his 14 years at the College of Eastern Utah (CEU) and Utah State University Eastern (USU Eastern). Born in South Dakota and raised in Michigan, Dr. Benson began piano lessons at age seven and trombone in sixth grade. He initially pursued a science major before switching to music, earning a Bachelor of Music Education (Central Michigan University) and a Master of Music (Bowling Green State University). He later earned a PhD in Educational Administration/Higher Education from Michigan State University, which prepared him for his eventual administrative roles. He joined CEU as instrumental music faculty, later serving as Dean of Arts and Sciences and Vice-Chancellor of USU Eastern. Musical Contributions in Price: He established the Eastern Utah Wind Symphony (starting Fall 2001) as a successful blended college and community ensemble, often reaching 40 or more players, and hosted notable guest soloists like Gene Pokorny of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He played trombone in the annual Messiah concert's orchestra and conducted the full concert in 2004 and 2010. He was also a member of the Jimmy Dart Orchestra. Later Career: He concluded his career as an Assistant Commissioner at the Utah System of Higher Education (2013-2020).