Making a lasting investment in student success at the University of Richmond
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Saif Mehkari was named inaugural recipient of a faculty fellowship remembering John Benton, a 1973 Robins School alum.
John Benton believed that great leaders are shaped by great mentors. A high-ranking official at the Smithsonian Institution, he was grateful to those who encouraged him early in his career in public service and made it his mission to provide similar support to others.
Following Benton’s passing in 2023, his husband David Briggs wanted to create a lasting tribute that reflected who Benton was, not simply what he accomplished. He established the John F. Benton Faculty Fellowship. Economics professor Saif Mehkari recently became its first recipient.
“John always believed that people learn best when someone takes the time to invest in them,” said Briggs. “He had a remarkable ability to offer constructive feedback in a way that encouraged people and helped them become more confident and capable.”
The fellowship recognizes exceptional Robins School faculty members who exemplify the values Benton championed throughout his life: student engagement, academic leadership, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, integrity, and service. Recipients receive a three-year, endowed appointment.
Benton’s public service career included 16 years at the Smithsonian Institution, where he rose to deputy undersecretary for finance and administration. A proud Spider, Benton served on the University of Richmond Alumni Association Board of Directors and chaired the 50th reunion committee for the Class of 1973, helping to raise more than $2 million.
“John had already made a commitment to the university by establishing a scholarship in honor of his mother,” said Briggs. “While that recognized someone he deeply loved, I wanted to create something that recognized him.
“The Robins School gave him the foundation for a lifetime of leadership, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor his memory than by supporting the faculty members who inspire students every day.”
Saif Mehkari named inaugural fellow
Mehkari was selected for the honor after receiving numerous nominations from colleagues, who recognized his exceptional dedication to students through teaching, mentorship, faculty leadership, and engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
“John Benton had a distinguished career in public service and was deeply committed to the University of Richmond,” Mehkari said. “This fellowship represents values of leadership, service, and dedication to student engagement. Those are values I hold dear, making it a true honor to be named the inaugural fellow.”
Mehkari plans to use the fellowship funds to expand opportunities for students through his leadership in programs like Endeavor RSB and mathematical economics by providing mentorship, research experiences, and meaningful intellectual engagement beyond the classroom.
For Briggs, seeing Mehkari named the inaugural fellow affirmed his vision for the program.
“Saif was nominated time and again because of his unwavering commitment to students,” Briggs said. “He works with student organizations, mentors individuals, and genuinely invests in their success. He was exactly the kind of faculty member John would have admired.”
Briggs wants the fellowship to serve as a lasting reminder that students remain at the heart of the university’s mission.
“My hope is that it continues to recognize faculty who prepare students not only for successful careers, but for meaningful lives,” he said. “I also hope the spirit of mentorship John embodied continues to be passed from one generation to the next.”