Dr. Benkert is currently the Inaugural Head of the Department of Performing Arts at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He consults with institutions implementing legacy leadership programs and serves on the International Council of Fine Arts Deans Leadership Development Committee, where he was once Chair. Dr. Benkert's passion is helping high school students discover leadership and teamwork.

He served as President of Hyperion Edu-vational Consultants, Chief Executive Officer of QSB Events. In 2012, he was accepted as American Council on Education Leadership Fellow, the nation's preeminent academic leadership program. During this, time Dr. Benkert became a level three certified planner through the Society of College and University Planners (SCUP). He later returned to SCUP as an advisor and consultant for their redesigned Planning program. Dr. Benkert has consulted with Presidents of universities from around the country and worked with state legislators from Tennessee, Georgia, and Indiana.