Watson resigning as Chadron State Foundation CEO

“Chadron State College has always been a part of my life, and that won’t change. I am proud of the progress made at the Foundation and college throughout my time here,” Watson said. “I have loved getting to know so many CSC alumni across the country and hearing the stories of how this place shaped their lives. I look forward to supporting Dr. Patterson’s vision for the future of CSC, albeit in a different way, and I will always be an Eagle.”

Watson, who graduated from CSC in 2001, began working for the CS Foundation as its first Director of Major Gifts in 2016. He was hired as CEO in early 2018. The non-profit Chadron State Foundation raises money to support Chadron State College and provides scholarship and program support for students. As of June 2024, the Foundation has $32.5 million in endowment funds and more than $34 million in assets.

“I thank Ben for his service to the Foundation,” said CSC President Ron K. Patterson. “Chadron State College benefited from his leadership, and I wish him well in the future. The Foundation is integral to the success of the college, and I look forward to continuing our shared partnership.” 

The Chadron State Foundation Board of Directors will begin a national search for Watson’s replacement soon.

“On behalf of the Foundation Board of Directors, Trustees, and CSC students and graduates, I echo Dr. Patterson’s sentiments and wish Ben well on his future endeavors,” said Foundation Chair Jo Anne Owens-Nauslar. “The Watson Family legacy at CSC is in the fabric of what it means to be a CSC Eagle. A special thank you to Ben and the Watson family for the time dedicated, the talent, and treasures of the Foundation through Ben’s leadership and the work of the Foundation staff.”

The Chadron State Foundation is dedicated to enhancing Chadron State College’s ability to meet its primary educational mission in western Nebraska through undertaking fund-raising activities that provide resources vital to the mission of Chadron State College in the areas of instruction, research, service, and scholarship programs.