MARCIA BENNETT

Marcia Bennett brings a background in senior level administration to Social Venture Partners. Prior to retiring to San Diego in 2020, she worked at the University of Oklahoma for 40 years, with the last 30 years serving as senior Chief Administrative Officer for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and performed executive and administrative duties of broad scope and complexity. The position required an array of management expertise, problem solving skill, human resources experience, financial acumen and legal sensitivities to assist with advancing OUHSC initiatives. Her tenure was legendary in that she was known for mentoring faculty, staff and students, working to give others the opportunity to shine - and managing difficult situations with grace, integrity and a healthy dose of humor.

Bennett holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA in Management from Texas A&M University and a BS in Sociology from Oklahoma State University.

In her selection to the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2016, it was noted, “[Bennett] is an exemplar of true leadership. Her advice is legendary…she understands both the details and the broad implications of the problems that come before her, listens patiently to all points of view, and helps groups find solutions to their dilemmas.”

Upon her retirement in 2020, the University of Oklahoma established the Marcia Bennett, PhD, Mentorship and Leadership Award. The award will recognize a staff member who invests in people at all levels of the University, leads in service and is a problem-solver.

Bennett lives across the street from Balboa Park and loves walking and exploring the park. She volunteers at the Balboa Park Rose Garden and plays competitive tennis in California leagues and in tournaments across the country.