Eric Wellington, Provost

Dr. Eric Wellington, who served as dean of the university’s School of Business since 2017, assumed the role of provost on May 19. He succeeds Dr. Katie Barnes, who served as interim provost for three years and defined the position at Neumann.

Wellington will serve as Neumann’s chief academic officer and supervise its athletic teams and student affairs.

Under his leadership as dean, the School of Business saw significant growth, adding new academic programs (Cybersecurity, Esports), expanding facilities (Data Analytics Lab, NITE Center, Math Escape Room), increasing enrollment, recruiting leaders to the School of Business Advisory Board, and forging partnerships with public agencies (Aston Police Department).

“During his 25-year career in higher education, Eric has shown himself to be an innovative leader and a staunch advocate for student success,” said Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann’s president. “He appreciates the students we serve, understands their needs, and works tirelessly to ensure that their Neumann experience is exceptional.”

Before coming to Neumann, Wellington worked for Delaware County Community College (DCCC), where he served as chief academic officer (2015-2017) and associate provost (2013-17). Over the past two decades, he has taught myriad courses in computer science, communications, and education at DCCC, Capella University, Saint Joseph’s University, and West Chester University.

He earned his doctorate in higher educational administration from Capella University, his MA degree in communication studies at West Chester University, and his BA in speech communication from Youngstown State University.

Najiba Benabess, Associate Provost

Neumann has also appointed Dr. Najiba Benabess as the associate provost for Online Learning, AI and Academic Partnerships, and dean of the School of Business.

Benabess is an experienced academic leader, author, and professor of economics. She comes to Neumann from Elizabethtown College, where she was dean of the School of Business.

A recognized advocate for personal and professional growth, Benabess completed the prestigious Future Leaders program through Harvard Business School Executive Education in 2020. Her previous roles include serving as dean at the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University and as director of the School of Business and Management at Norwich University.

Her leadership was honored with the Dean of the Year award from Academic Global Business Advancement (AGBA) in August 2021, acknowledging her significant efforts in advancing global diversity and inclusion.

“I am honored and excited to be joining the Neumann University community,” said Benabess, “and look forward to the journey ahead.”

Benabess is also an influential author and speaker. Her research has been showcased at national and international conferences, and her papers are featured in respected peer-reviewed journals.

In November 2023, she published her groundbreaking book, Irreplaceable Human Intelligence: Surpassing AI Outreach, which explores the critical role of human intellect in the age of artificial intelligence.

She earned her PhD in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her master’s degree from Western Illinois University.