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Where are they now?: Dave Bentlin

Dave Bentlin ’88 ’93 retired from a 37-year career at Illinois State in 2022 after serving in roles in the Office of the President, Student Affairs, University Advancement, and College of Education.
Matt Wing | Tue, Apr 1, 2025

For Dave Bentlin ’88 ’93, Illinois State University isn’t just the place he worked and studied; it’s where he found a community and sense of purpose that shaped him in his student, personal, and professional life. 

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“I’ve spent two-thirds of my life at Illinois State either as a student or a staff member,” Bentlin said. “The University changed my life, and I’ll forever be grateful. There will always be a part of me that will remain a Redbird.” 

Bentlin retired from a 37-year career at Illinois State in 2022. His tenure included roles in the Office of the President, Student Affairs, University Advancement, and College of Education. His first job at Illinois State was in what was then called Media Services. 

A commitment to education and inclusion complemented those roles, and it continues to inspire his life in retirement. Bentlin is active with the McLean County Museum of History and the Prairie Pride Coalition, where he promotes education, outreach, and community for the LGBTQ+ community. 

During his time at Illinois State, Bentlin played a pivotal role in establishing the LGBTQ Student Support Fund to aid students facing financial and emotional challenges due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. “This is a way that we, as an ISU community, can support them and show them that their education is important,” he said. 

Bentlin was recognized numerous times during his career for his service and community involvement. One of his proudest achievements is creation of the Four Strong Women Scholarship, which he developed with the School of Social Work. The fund honors four mentors—Drs. Mary Campbell, Jeanne Howard, Doris Houston, and Diane Zosky—who informed Bentlin’s career and life. The scholarship provides financial assistance to graduate students in practicum placements, covering costs that might otherwise hinder their progress.

Though retirement has brought on a slower pace, Bentlin finds purpose in his volunteer work and occasional writing for The Pantagraph. 

He can be reached at dmbentl@IllinoisState.edu.