The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community mourns the passing of James Allen Benson, 81, a former professor in the communication studies department from 1986 to 2000.

Benson passed away April 1.

He served as department chair from 1986 to 1989, when communication studies housed four areas (speech communication, radio-TV-film, theater and communicative Disorders) supported by a large number of faculty and academic staff.

Benson promoted meaningful curriculum reform in each area and worked hard to provide all personnel with the resources necessary to pursue excellence in teaching, professional and scholarly growth and service. For all faculty and staff, Benson was a role model of rigorous work ethic, attention to detail and dedication to the mission, vision and values of UW Oshkosh.

Read the full obituary here.

In accordance with the current coronavirus guidelines, a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidneyfund.org/.