Nick Benson currently serves as Executive Director for the Provost’s Office of Outreach & Engagement. He shapes the university's community development initiatives by leading outreach and engagement programming and services around community and economic development, sustainability, cultural vitality, health and wellness, and knowledge sharing. He enjoys engaging departments across the university and communities throughout the state in mutually beneficial partnerships that innovate on both the university's public mission and the challenges facing Iowa's cities and small towns.

Nick earned both his master degree in Urban Planning and Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa, and is a licensed attorney in Iowa. Nick previously worked in Planning and Community Development for the City of Iowa City and for Leff Law Firm.