Ben is a first-generation quadruple Hoo born and raised in Charlottesville. He earned his Ed.D from the School of Education and Human Development and has research interests around culturally responsive leadership and establishing strong community partnerships. Additionally, he is a lecturer in the School of Education Administration and Supervision Program. He has worked as a high school history and AVID teacher in Washington DC and Charlottesville and most recently as an elementary school associate principal in Albemarle County. He is also a Captain in the Army Reserves and has served as a logistician, military police officer, and currently as an intelligence analyst.