Steven D. Bennion served as president of Ricks College from 1989 to 1997. He had previously served as president of Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, for nearly seven years.
During his tenure at Ricks, President Bennion prepared the college for the future as computer access for students was expanded. The “fast track” program was developed to allow more students to attend. As a result of that program, student enrollment increased to 8,250 students. The John Taylor Building was constructed, the first new building on campus in 17 years.
In 1997, President Bennion became the president of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and retired in 2006 to serve as president of the New York New York City South Mission. He and his wife, the former Marjorie Hopkins, are the parents of five children, four of whom are living.