OPSU Vice President of Fiscal Affairs Announces Retirement

Oklahoma Panhandle State University Vice President of Fiscal Affairs, Benny Dain, announced on April 16, 2020, that he would retire after 30 years of service to the University.

A Hough, OK native, Dain served in the United States Marine Corps from 1975-1979. In 1986, Dain married Mitzi Peterson, also an OPSU graduate. Together, they have a daughter, Bailey, and a son, Braxton.

Benny Dain graduated from OPSU in 1987 with an accounting degree and began working as the University’s Comptroller in 1990. After 25 years as the Comptroller, Dain was named Vice President of Fiscal Affairs in 2015. This position oversees the University Business Office, Physical Plant, and core University functions.

“OPSU has been a very important part of my life, even when I was young, I attended camps and activities here on campus,” Dain stated. “To build a career and life at OPSU, and to be part of the leadership team for the last five years has been a great experience.” He added, “I am excited about the future of the University.”

“Working in higher education, you get to help people achieve their dreams,” Dain stated. “I have always enjoyed the opportunity to watch students pass through OPSU and see them later in life giving back in their community.”

University President, Dr. Tim Faltyn stated, “Benny Dain is such a huge part of the Panhandle Family. He has seen many changes throughout the years at OPSU, and has always tried to better the University. He has a heart for the students and stands for the Panhandle way of life. We will miss him on the executive team, but this retirement is well deserved!”

“I have been fortunate to work with some truly great people these last 30 years,” said Dain. “I think that is the part I will miss the most; the people.”

“I feel blessed to have worked with Benny early in my career,” said Liz McMurphy, OPSU Comptroller. “He has molded me into the professional and the person I am today. His compassion, discernment, and knowledge can be seen on a daily basis. Benny has been a source of stability over years of ups and downs with an evident steadiness.”

Laura Duran, Director of OPSU’s Physical Plant, added, “The greatest thing I’ve learned through the years from Benny is to find the calm and look at things through someone else’s eyes. I will miss Benny dearly and the positive impact he brings to our OPSU family.”

“OPSU has been a blessing for my family and me,” Dain states. “Not only did I graduate from here, but my wife, daughter, my son, multiple extended family members, and countless friends in the community, all received a great education here at OPSU.”

Dain will continue to work for the University during his retirement on a part-time basis and will manage several roof replacement projects across campus.

Faltyn added, “What Benny has done to secure the resources for these roofs will be transformative for the University.”

“Of course,” Dain added, “I will be around quite often to cheer on our Aggies, and to support our students, programs, and community as much as possible!”