STATESBORO, Ga. – After four and a half years of unprecedented growth and success, Georgia Southern University announced today that Director of Athletics Jared Benko will assume the role of Associate Director of Athletics at Auburn University. Since joining Georgia Southern in March 2020, Benko has transformed the athletics department through record-setting fundraising efforts, capital projects initiatives and historic athletic achievements.

“Jared’s visionary leadership has been transformative for Georgia Southern Athletics,” said Dr. Kyle Marrero, president of Georgia Southern University. “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 are grateful for the strong foundation he has built here and wish him continued success at Auburn.”

Under Benko’s leadership, Georgia Southern Athletics achieved unprecedented fundraising milestones, securing over $40.95 million over the past four fiscal years, including $12.99 million in 2023-2024 alone – an increase of 185 % compared to previous records. These record-breaking fundraising efforts contributed to historic facility improvements that 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 to JI Clements Stadium, home of the Eagle baseball program. These projects will serve as a lasting legacy, enhancing the University’s athletic and academic experiences for future generations.

In addition to his financial influence, Benko has historically shaped 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 performed exceptionally well at the conference level, with 11 of 16 sports finishing in the top half of the Sun Belt Conference in the 2023-2024 academic year. Notable achievements include securing two bowl appearances in football, all-time best 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 hired several high-profile coaches who have taken their respective programs to new levels.

Benko’s term in office was not only characterized by sporting successes. For him, academic success was paramount, with student-athletes achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.18 in their final academic year.

Under his leadership, Georgia Southern Athletics also became an innovator in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programming, launching several initiatives that placed the university at the forefront of promoting and supporting student-athletes. Georgia Southern was one of the first schools in the FBS Division to have its collective host a major concert fundraiser (GATA Jam) and establish an Athlete Brand Management (ABM) department. The Eagles also hired one of the first NIL employees for a non-autonomous school while streamlining the fundraising processes between the Eagle Nation Collective and the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation.



“The last four and a half years at Georgia Southern University have been an incredible blessing for my family and me,” Benko said. “What makes this institution truly special is its people and the alignment of shared values. I am Dr. Marrero is grateful for his mentorship and friendship – his leadership will undoubtedly lead Georgia Southern to even greater success. I would also like to express my sincere opinion.” Thank you to Eagle Nation for their unwavering support and belief in us during our time in Statesboro. Without you, Georgia Southern’s best days would not have been possible!”



Benko’s innovative leadership extended beyond classroom success to student-athlete development. He founded the Athletes Preparing for Employment Experiences (APEX) program and established a leadership institute under the leadership of Ret. Maj. Gen. Randall Simmons supports the holistic development of student-athletes. He also added several nutritional fueling stations around athletic facilities and launched a Women’s Leaders program (WE Lead) to prepare Eagles student-athletes for life after sports. Benko also chaired the Sun Belt Conference Athletic Directors Committee from 2022-24 and implemented a comprehensive five-year strategic plan (2021-26) for the department.



Of Benko’s leadership, Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation Chairman Bryan Burke said, “I am so grateful to Jared Benko for getting started right away. He and numerous others were the driving force behind the construction and furnishing of sports facilities valued at over $100 million.” “Jared ensured that all 17 needs of men’s and women’s sports were addressed. He leaves Eagle Nation on a solid foundation and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.”



Georgia Southern University will announce plans to hire Benko’s successor soon. Benko’s last day at Georgia Southern will be November 15th.