As the first Director of Development for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (Institute), Dr. Joyvin Benton is charged with establishing a thriving development program that advances the Institute’s mission. Prior to joining the Institute, Joyvin was the Development Director at the Arkansas Public Policy Panel where she created and implemented all fundraising efforts from large grants to grassroots donations. This was a great learning experience, however, she honed her skills and developed a passion for the nonprofit sector as the director of an academic enrichment program for high school students, the W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Institute, at Princeton University. Here she gained skills in all aspects of nonprofit management and fundraising. She truly enjoyed working with youth and helping them gain tools that would change their lives forever.
Dr. Benton received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Arkansas State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. After completing college she had the opportunity to live on both coasts, completing a Master’s degree in Social Psychology from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in Urban Systems and Policy from Rutgers University, where she received a research fellowship. Her doctoral experience provided her opportunities to engage experts on a variety of policy and social issues.
In 2017, she was named one of the top 20 emerging nonprofit leaders by the Little Rock Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and in 2018 she had the honor of being one of twelve emerging leaders, from across the country selected for the Independent Sector, Next Generation Fellowship. This fellowship provided her with greater insight into the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and expanded her network of professionals in the field. In 2019 she was selected to participate in the American Express Leadership Academy Global Summit. Participating in the Global Summit allowed Dr. Benton an opportunity to interact with and learn from leaders from all over the world.
She spends her spare time volunteering with local organizations and nonprofits. She is a member of the North Little Rock Junior League, and is on the board of directors for Compassion Works for All. Dr. Benton loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family.
