Auburn’s Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) Program is excited to announce that Justin Benefield, associate professor and Walker Reynolds Bickerstaff Professor in Harbert’s Department of Finance, will become the new director of MRED effective October 1, 2021. The transition in leadership for this unique executive education program continues the legacy of success delivered by MRED leadership, faculty, partners and alumni over the past decade and is a testament to the program’s commitment to serving the needs of the real estate development community.

Benefield will take over the reins from Michael Robinson, director of Graduate Program in Real Estate Development, R. Hugh Daniel Endowed Chair of Real Estate Development, professor of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. Robinson has served as MRED’s director since its inception and will continue as a representative on the MRED advisory Board.

“The past 10 years have seen the MRED program grow tremendously in size, scope and impact,” said Robinson. “I am fortunate and grateful to have been a part of that success and I am confident that the MRED program will be in extremely capable hands with Justin at the leadership helm.”

Greg Winchester, MRED Advisory Council Chair, noted the great contribution Robinson has made. “The viability and value of Auburn’s MRED program have been admirably progressed under Michael’s initial and ongoing leadership. We couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated leader to guide us through our first decade.”

Incoming Director Benefield echoed those sentiments, “The responsibility for building upon the success of Auburn’s MRED program is one I take seriously,” said Benefield. “The past ten years of MRED have delivered real-world value to our graduates and the organizations they run. I will endeavor to live up to the leadership standards set by Michael’s example.”

Auburn’s MRED program, offered jointly through the Harbert College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, delivers the skills and insight required for its graduates to shape communities and change the way people work, live and play within them. Auburn’s MRED graduates plan, finance and build economically sustainable real estate developments based on principles taught in our classrooms and experienced firsthand via field study trips to successful developments in the U.S. and abroad.

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The Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) Program is one of the many graduate programs available at the Harbert College of Business. Learn more about the MRED Program.