Guy Potter Benton

Who was Guy Potter Benton?

The Reverend Dr. Guy Potter Wharton Benton was an American educator who served as president of Miami University from 1902–1911, the University of Vermont from 1911–1920, and the University of the Philippines from 1921-1925. He is credited with being instrumental in the founding of the sorority Delta Zeta at Miami University in 1902.

Benton was an alumnus of Ohio Normal University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Baker University and the College of Wooster.

He was born to Daniel Webster and Harriett Benton in Kenton, Ohio. After serving as superintendent of schools at Fort Scott, Kansas, he became assistant state superintendent of public instruction in Kansas. He was professor of history and sociology at Baker University and assumed the presidency of Upper Iowa University in 1899, serving until 1902 when he became president of Miami University. He left Miami to become president of the University of Vermont 1911-1919. He was educational director of the Third Army occupying Germany following World War I. He served as the third president of the University of the Philippines from 1921-1925.

For his service during World War I, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and his commendation reads, in part: "As Director in charge of the Educational Work undertaken in the Third Army of the American Expeditionary Forces, by his marked ability, untiring energy, and loyal devotion to his task, Dr. Benton contributed in a large measure to the successful results obtained in this vast undertaking. Through his great work among 10,000 illiterate soldiers over 8,000 of them were taught to read and write. By his efforts he has rendered services of particular worth to the American Expeditionary Forces."