Jared Benko, the Athletic Director at Georgia Southern University, announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving to accept a position at Auburn University. Benko, who joined Georgia Southern in 2020, previously served as the Deputy Director of Athletics and CFO at Mississippi State for four years. His departure marks the end of a transformative period for Georgia Southern Athletics.
During his tenure, Benko’s leadership was credited with significant growth and improvement within the department. Georgia Southern’s president, Dr. Kyle Marrero, praised Benko for his visionary leadership, highlighting his success in fundraising and his commitment to enhancing both academic and athletic performance.
Marrero expressed gratitude for the strong foundation Benko had built, noting that the benefits of his work would be felt by student-athletes, coaches, and fans for years to come.
In his statement about his time at Georgia Southern, Benko reflected on the positive impact the university and its community had on him and his family. He praised the alignment of shared values at the institution and thanked Dr. Marrero for his mentorship. Benko also expressed deep gratitude to the Georgia Southern community, acknowledging the unwavering support of Eagle Nation and emphasizing that the university’s best days are still ahead.
In conclusion, while Jared Benko’s departure from Georgia Southern marks the end of an important era for the university’s athletic program, his contributions have laid the groundwork for future success. His leadership, particularly in fundraising and in fostering a culture of excellence, has set a strong foundation for Georgia Southern Athletics moving forward. As Benko moves on to new opportunities at Auburn University, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to benefit the school and its sports programs for years to come.
