Doug Benham

UWF Degree and Graduation Year:
BA, Accounting, 1978

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
The excellent reputation of the accounting program, the ability to finance education through the coop program and the beauty of the campus and Pensacola.

What were your goals as a student?
To get the best possible education to lead to a successful career in accounting (and general business).

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
The teamwork that the students in the accounting program had. While competitive, everyone supported each other and helped others be better.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. James Potts. He took an interest in mentoring me and was very instrumental in my success at UWF. A great professor who was very down to earth.

What do you do now and how did UWF help you progress to this point?
I am semi-retired from the restaurant industry. I provide consulting services to the restaurant industry between golf and traveling! UWF provided the foundation for my success in the accounting industry which led to a CFO (and subsequent CEO) position.

Please describe any other areas that you are involved in, such as volunteer work, mentoring, serving on various boards, etc.?
I have been actively involved in youth-mentoring organizations my entire career. I am currently on the board of Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Metro Atlanta and am active at my church and country clubs. I have previously served on the national board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and also on the Atlanta BBBS board as well as the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the UWF Foundation and Yes!Atlanta.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
I was fortunate to serve on the UWF Foundation Board as well as being selected as to participate in the Profiles in Leadership series which provided the opportunity to visit the campus and interact with a wide variety of faculty and students.

What advice do you have for current and future UWF students?
Always put 100% effort into your university experience. You are building the foundation for your future success and I have too often seen examples of individuals selling themselves short by engaging in behaviors while in school that put them at a serious disadvantage in the working world. That first job out of college can often provide the ramp to your future success.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
The ability to have personal interaction with great professors who I believe truly care about your future success.

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