91ÇÑ×Ó

“91ÇÑ×Ó State College has always been a part of my life, and that won’t change. I am proud of the progress made at the Foundation and college throughout my time here,” Watson said. “I have loved getting to know so many 91ÇÑ×Ó alumni across the country and hearing the stories of how this place shaped their lives. I look forward to supporting Dr. Patterson’s vision for the future of 91ÇÑ×Ó, albeit in a different way, and I will always be an Eagle.”

Watson, who graduated from 91ÇÑ×Ó in 2001, began working for the CS Foundation as its first Director of Major Gifts in 2016. He was hired as CEO in early 2018. The non-profit 91ÇÑ×Ó State Foundation raises money to support 91ÇÑ×Ó State College and provides scholarship and program support for students. As of June 2024, the Foundation has $32.5 million in endowment funds and more than $34 million in assets.

“I thank Ben for his service to the Foundation,” said 91ÇÑ×Ó President Ron K. Patterson. “91ÇÑ×Ó State College benefited from his leadership, and I wish him well in the future. The Foundation is integral to the success of the college, and I look forward to continuing our shared partnership.” 

The 91ÇÑ×Ó State Foundation Board of Directors will begin a national search for Watson’s replacement soon.

“On behalf of the Foundation Board of Directors, Trustees, and 91ÇÑ×Ó students and graduates, I echo Dr. Patterson’s sentiments and wish Ben well on his future endeavors,” said Foundation Chair Jo Anne Owens-Nauslar. “The Watson Family legacy at 91ÇÑ×Ó is in the fabric of what it means to be a 91ÇÑ×Ó Eagle. A special thank you to Ben and the Watson family for the time dedicated, the talent, and treasures of the Foundation through Ben’s leadership and the work of the Foundation staff.”

The 91ÇÑ×Ó State Foundation is dedicated to enhancing 91ÇÑ×Ó State College’s ability to meet its primary educational mission in western Nebraska through undertaking fund-raising activities that provide resources vital to the mission of 91ÇÑ×Ó State College in the areas of instruction, research, service, and scholarship programs.