Ben Wesley Collins was an integral part of academics and athletics during his time at The University of Texas at El Paso.
He was an assistant coach at Texas Western College from 1946-56, then served as athletic director and head football coach until 1961. Among his accomplishments were guiding TWC to a 6-3 record in 1957 and hiring future Hall of Fame Coach Don Haskins.
Collins graduated from the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy (now UTEP) with a bachelor's degree in physical education in May 1948. That same year, he joined the school as an assistant instructor in physical education.
In 1950, after receiving a master's degree from the University of Utah, Collins rejoined the faculty as an assistant professor of health and physical education, and served as acting head of the department from 1964-65. He was appointed an associate professor in 1966, and continued to teach until his retirement in the early 1980s.
Collins was inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.
Collins and his wife Mary Gene died Thursday, Nov. 20, after being struck by a truck while crossing North Mesa Street.
"I'm very sorry to hear of this tragedy," said UTEP President Diana Natalicio. "They were both wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their family."
A moment of silence for the Collins' will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Don Haskins Center before UTEP's basketball game against New Mexico State University.
