Shane Bennett | SIU Foundation | SIU

Shane Bennett joins us as the Director of Development for the College of Agricultural Sciences. Although new to this position, Shane is a long-time Saluki. Before accepting this position, Shane previously worked at Special Olympics Illinois, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and area fundraising, while collaborating with SIU to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Special Olympics and its humble beginnings at SIU.  Prior to his work with Special Olympics, Shane worked at the SIU Rec Center as the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs for eight years. He has also served on numerous committees including, the AP Staff Council, Harvey Welch Golf Outing Committee, Saluki Spirit Committee, University Joint Benefits Committee, Student Engagement Committee, and as an UCOL instructor.

Shane graduated from SIU with his degree in recreation in 2002 and continued his education at Western Illinois University, earning his master’s degree in Sport Management.

When he isn’t at SIU you can usually find Shane officiating NCAA Women’s Basketball, Football and Illinois High School football and basketball. He and his wife Tena live in Carterville with their daughter Colbie.