Virginia Tech LogoAUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The dean of Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering has been named sole finalist to become president of the University of Texas at Dallas. Richard Benson was selected Monday by the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Benson faces a state-mandated 21-day waiting period before official confirmation to lead UT-Dallas, located in Richardson. Benson would replace David Daniel, who last year moved from his post as UT-Dallas president to serve as deputy chancellor of the UT System. Benson holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and mechanical science from Princeton University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.