"Jared's visionary leadership has been transformational for Georgia Southern Athletics," said Georgia Southern University President Dr. Kyle Marrero. "From his fundraising success to his commitment to competitive and academic excellence, his impact will benefit our student-athletes, coaches and fans for decades. We're grateful for the strong foundation he has built here and wish him continued success at Auburn."
Under Benko's leadership, Georgia Southern Athletics reached unprecedented fundraising milestones, securing over $40.95 million across the last four fiscal years, including $12.99 million in the 2023-2024 year alone—a 185% increase over previous records. These record-breaking fundraising efforts contributed to historic facility improvements that have reshaped the campus landscape, highlighted by the $65 million Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, a $15 million Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility, and a $10 million expansion for J.I. Clements Stadium, home of the Eagle baseball program. These projects will serve as lasting legacies that enhance the University's athletic and academic experience for future generations.
In addition to his financial impact, Benko made a historic mark on Georgia Southern's competitive landscape. In 2022, the Eagles hosted their first NCAA Baseball Regional, achieving a national milestone for the program as a national seed. Georgia Southern Athletics also excelled on a conference level, with 11 out of 16 sports finishing in the top half of the Sun Belt Conference during the 2023-2024 academic year. Notable achievements include football securing back-to-back bowl appearances, best-ever national rankings in multiple sports, and conference championships in women's golf, men's golf, men's tennis, women's tennis, women's soccer, and rifle. He also made several high-profile coaching hires that have taken their respective programs to new heights.
Benko's tenure was defined by more than athletic achievements. He prioritized academic success, with student-athletes achieving a record-setting cumulative 3.18 GPA in the most recent academic year.
Under his leadership, Georgia Southern Athletics also became an innovator in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programming, launching several initiatives that positioned the university at the forefront of student-athlete advancement and support. Georgia Southern was one of the first school's in the FBS subdivision to have its collective host a large concert fundraiser (GATA Jam) as well as creating an Athlete Brand Management (ABM) department. The Eagles also hired one of the first NIL employees for a non-autonomy school while streamlining giving processes between the Eagle Nation Collective and the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation.
"The past four and a half years at Georgia Southern University have been an incredible blessing for my family and me," said Benko. "What makes this institution truly special are its people and the alignment of shared values. I'm grateful to Dr. Marrero for his mentorship and friendship—his leadership will undoubtedly guide Georgia Southern toward even greater achievements. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Eagle Nation for their unwavering support and belief in us throughout our time in Statesboro. None of this would have been possible without you. Georgia Southern's best days are ahead!"
Benko's innovative leadership extended to student-athlete development beyond success in the classroom. He established the Athletes Preparing for Employment Experiences (APEX) program and created a leadership institute under the direction of Ret. Maj. Gen. Randall Simmons to support the holistic development of student-athletes. He also added multiple nutrition fueling stations around athletic facilities and launched a Women's Leaders program (W.E. Lead) to prepare Eagles student-athletes for life after sport. Benko also served as chair of the Sun Belt Conference Athletic Directors Committee from 2022-24 and implemented a comprehensive five-year strategic plan (2021-26) for the department.
Reflecting on Benko's leadership, Bryan Burke, chair of the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, said, "I am so grateful to Jared Benko for hitting the ground running. He and numerous others have been the driving force for over $100 million in athletic building and facility improvements. Jared has made sure that all 17 Men's and Women's sports' needs have been addressed. He leaves Eagle Nation on solid footing, and we owe a great debt of gratitude for his foresight and leadership."
Georgia Southern University will announce plans to hire Benko's successor soon. Benko's last day at Georgia Southern will be Nov. 15.