- Senior Associate Dean of Strategy, External Relations & Communications; Chief of Staff
McKelvey School of Engineering
When Nick Benassi started with WashU in 2005, he expected to stay only a few years. Now, thanks in part to professional growth opportunities throughout his career and former positions in Advancement and Admissions, Benassi, who is the senior associate dean of strategy, external relations and communications, and chief of staff at McKelvey School of Engineering, is grateful each day brings something new to his desk.
“I’m lucky to have never had the same day twice over the past 20 years,” Benassi said. “My unofficial job duty is being a problem solver, and that’s the part of the job I enjoy the most.”
In his role, Benassi oversees many of McKelvey’s operations in addition to supporting Dean Aaron Bobick and the school’s initiatives. Throughout his tenure with McKelvey, he’s coordinated their past five strategic plans. He’s also responsible for a wide range of areas within McKelvey including human resources, communications, international relations, corporate relations, events and aspects of the school’s budget. He credits the people – employees and students – and the innovation and research that better our communities for his WashU Why.
“Two decades later, I’m still here because of the smart, kind, diverse and humble people I am fortunate to work with each day and the remarkable innovation that is happening at McKelvey,” Benassi said.
“As I walk down the halls, I see labs developing next-generation technology to better diagnose and treat cancer, to create safer drinking water and cleaner air, and to advance cybersecurity and AI, to name just a few. Knowing that I play even a small part in this collective effort to improve the world motivates me every day. And of course, our students, who inspire me and give me hope for the future.”
Throughout his years with WashU, Benassi has recognized the importance of empathy, recognition and transparency in leadership. He understands bringing humanity into his management approach helps to build trust, and thus, encourages his team to come to him for support.
“I try to be positive and transparent, show appreciation for good work, and give the team the space and grace to be human—and I ask for the same in return,” Benassi said. “I encourage the team to ask questions and share their feelings, and then I try to align and connect their feedback and concerns to our priorities. Most importantly, I’ve tried to build trust and a supportive culture where people feel comfortable coming to me when they need help with solving their problems or even just for a little motivation to get through the project or the day.”
Outside of work, Benassi enjoys spending time with his family and their pets, learning about history and taking in all that St. Louis has to offer.